Particulate foam with other cushioning

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear has an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole. The outsole includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on opposite sides. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides. The bottom surface opposes the inner surface to define a cavity therebetween. The article of footwear also includes a first series of projections extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a second series of projection extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in the first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a quantity of particulate matter disposed within the cavity.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/574,700, filed Nov. 16, 2017, which is the national phase ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2016/053260, filed Sep. 23, 2016,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.62/222,882, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 62/222,873, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/222,851, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,842, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and toU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,832, filed Sep. 24, 2015,and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,816, filed Sep. 24,2015, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to articles of footwear havingparticulate foam incorporated with other cushioning.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a solestructure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) toreceive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper maycooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit ofthe upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to abottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure.

Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extendingbetween a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structureincludes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction withthe ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or othermaterials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well asenhancing traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the solestructure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper.The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and is generally at leastpartially formed from a polymer foam material that compressesresiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuatingground-reaction forces. The midsole may define a bottom surface on oneside that opposes the outsole and a footbed on the opposite side thatmay be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface of thefoot. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole and/ora sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of theupper.

Midsoles using polymer foam materials are generally configured as asingle slab that compresses resiliently under applied loads, such asduring walking or running movements. Generally, single-slab polymerfoams are designed with an emphasis on balancing cushioningcharacteristics that relate to softness and responsiveness as the slabcompresses under gradient loads. Polymer foams providing cushioning thatis too soft will decrease the compressibility and the ability of themidsole to attenuate ground-reaction forces after repeated compressions.Conversely, polymer foams that are too hard and, thus, very responsive,sacrifice softness, thereby resulting in a loss in comfort. Whiledifferent regions of a slab of polymer foam may vary in density,hardness, energy return, and material selection to balance the softnessand responsiveness of the slab as a whole, creating a single slab ofpolymer foam that loads in a gradient manner from soft to responsive isdifficult to achieve.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordancewith principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 showingprojections extending from an inner surface of an outsole toward abottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 showingprojections extending from an inner surface of an outsole toward abottom surface of a midsole and particulate matter disposed around abase of the projections at the inner surface;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordancewith principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 4 showingprojections extending from a bottom surface of a midsole toward an innersurface of an outsole;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4each showing a first series of projections and a second series ofprojections extending from a bottom surface of a midsole toward an innersurface of an outsole and particulate matter disposed on the innersurface of the outsole;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordancewith principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 8 showingprojections extending from an inner surface of an outsole that definehoneycomb-shaped compartments for receiving a quantity of particulatematter;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8showing projections extending from an inner surface of an outsole towarda bottom surface of a midsole and terminating at a point of contact withthe bottom surface;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG.8 showing projections extending from an inner surface of an outsoletoward a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 12showing particulate matter residing within a casing disposed between anoutsole and a midsole of a sole structure;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12showing particulate matter residing in a casing disposed between anoutsole and a midsole of a sole structure when the sole structure is atrest;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12showing particulate matter residing in a casing disposed between anoutsole and a midsole of a sole structure when the sole structure ifflexed;

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a heel region of the article offootwear of FIG. 16 taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16 showingparticulate matter residing within a cavity of a sole structure;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a forefoot region of thearticle of footwear of FIG. 16 taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 16 showingparticulate matter residing within a cavity of a sole structure;

FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 19showing a projection plate extending from an inner surface of an outsoletoward a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 19 taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 19 showing a projection plateextending from an inner surface of an outsole toward a bottom surface ofa midsole and particulate matter residing within apertures extendingthrough the projection plate;

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 22showing projections extending from an inner surface of an outsole towarda bottom surface of a midsole and a tufted casing containing particulatematter disposed upon the projections;

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG.22 showing projections extending from an inner surface of an outsoletoward a bottom surface of a midsole and a tufted casing containingparticulate matter disposed on the projections;

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 25showing a tufted casing containing particulate matter and a cushioninglayer received within a cavity and located on projections extending froman inner surface of an outsole toward a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 25showing a tufted casing containing particulate matter and a cushioninglayer received within a cavity and located on projections extending froman inner surface of an outsole toward a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 28 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 28showing a sole structure including a cushioning layer disposed on aninner surface of an outsole and particulate matter disposed between thecushioning layer and a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30showing a sole structure including a fluid-filled chamber disposed on aninner surface of an outsole and particulate matter disposed between thefluid-filled chamber and a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 32 taken along line 33-33showing a sole structure including a fluid-filled chamber disposed on aninner surface of an outsole and particulate matter disposed between thefluid-filled chamber and a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 34 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 34 taken along line35-35 showing an inner surface of an outsole defining a series of topridges extending into a cavity toward a bottom surface of a midsole anda tufted casing containing particulate matter disposed on the top ridgesof the outsole;

FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 36 taken along line37-37 showing a tufted casing containing particulate matter and acushioning layer received within a cavity and located on top ridgesdefined by an inner surface of an outsole that extend into the cavitytoward a bottom surface of a midsole.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example configurations will now be described more fully with referenceto the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scopeof the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specificdetails are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices,and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations ofthe present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art that specific details need not be employed, that exampleconfigurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that thespecific details and the example configurations should not be construedto limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. Asused herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intendedto include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,”and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence offeatures, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The methodsteps, processes, and operations described herein are not to beconstrued as necessarily requiring their performance in the particularorder discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as anorder of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer,it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to theother element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attachedto,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be nointervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe therelationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion(e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directlyadjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. Theseelements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not belimited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish oneelement, component, region, layer or section from another region, layeror section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical termsdo not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by thecontext. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or sectiondiscussed below could be termed a second element, component, region,layer or section without departing from the teachings of the exampleconfigurations.

One aspect of the disclosure includes an article of footwear having anupper and an outsole attached to the upper. A ground-engaging surfaceand an inner surface are disposed on opposite sides of the outsole. Amidsole of the article of footwear has a footbed and a bottom surfacedisposed on opposite sides of the midsole. The bottom surface of themidsole opposes the inner surface of the outsole to define a cavitytherebetween. A quantity of particulate matter is disposed within thecavity. The article of footwear also includes a first series ofprojections and a second series of projections that each extend into thecavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a firstdirection toward the other one of the inner surface and the bottomsurface. The first series of projections are spaced apart from the otherof the inner surface and the bottom surface. The second series ofprojections have a different height than the first series of projectionsand are spaced apart from the other of the inner surface and the bottomsurface.

In some examples, when the first and second series of projections extendinto the cavity from the inner surface of the outsole, the quantity ofparticulate matter is disposed around a base of the first series ofprojections and around a base of the second series of projections.Either or both of the first series of projections and the second seriesof projections may include a cross-sectional area that decreases in thefirst direction.

In some implementations, the first series of projections and the secondseries of projections include a constantly tapered outer surface. Thetapered outer surface may terminate at a rounded, distal end of eachprojection opposing the other of the inner surface and the bottomsurface. The first series of projections may be disposed proximate to aheel portion of the outsole while the second series of projections maybe disposed proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole.Additionally, the first series of projections may extend farther fromthe one of the inner surface and the bottom surface than that of thesecond series of projections. The first series of projections and thesecond series of projections may optionally be spaced apart from oneanother by a void disposed proximate to a mid-foot portion of theoutsole.

In some examples, the particulate matter disposed within the cavityincludes foam beads having approximately the same size and shape or atleast one of a different size and shape. In these examples, the foambeads may include a substantially spherical shape.

Another aspect of the disclosure includes an article of footwear havingan upper and an outsole attached to the upper. A ground-engaging surfaceand an inner surface are disposed on opposite sides of the outsole. Amidsole of the article of footwear has a footbed and a bottom surfacedisposed on opposite sides of the midsole. The inner surface of theoutsole includes a first series of projections and second series ofprojections each extending in a direction toward the upper and eachhaving a different height. The bottom surface of the midsole opposes theinner surface of the outsole to define a cavity therebetween. A quantityof particulate matter is disposed within the cavity. The bottom surfaceis additionally spaced apart from the first series of projections andthe second series of projections.

In some implementations, a cross-sectional area of the first series ofprojections decreases in a direction that extends from the outsoletoward the midsole. Additionally, a cross-sectional area of the secondseries of projections may decrease in a direction that extends from theoutsole toward the midsole. In some examples, the first series ofprojections and the second series of projections include a constantlytapered outer surface. In these examples, the tapered outer surface mayterminate at a rounded, distal end of each projection that opposes thebottom surface of the midsole. In some scenarios, the first series ofprojections are disposed proximate to a heel portion of the outsole,while the second series of projections are disposed proximate to aforefoot portion of the outsole. In these scenarios, the first series ofprojections may optionally extend farther from the inner surface of theoutsole than the second series of projections. The first series ofprojections and the second series of projections may optionally bespaced apart from one another by a void disposed proximate to a mid-footportion of the outsole.

In some examples, the particulate matter disposed within the cavityincludes foam beads having approximately the same size and shape or atleast one of a different size and shape. In these examples, the foambeads may include a substantially spherical shape.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, an article of footwear includesan upper and a midsole having a footbed and a bottom surface disposed onan opposite side of the midsole than the footbed. The bottom surface ofthe midsole includes a first series of projections extending in adirection away from the upper. The bottom surface also includes a secondseries of projections extending away from the upper and having adifferent height than the first series of projections. The article offootwear also includes an outsole that is attached to the upper andincludes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed onopposite sides of the outsole. The inner surface opposes the bottomsurface of the midsole. The inner surface of the outsole and the bottomsurface of the midsole cooperate to define a cavity therebetween. Aquantity of particulate matter is disposed within the cavity and theinner surface of the outsole is spaced apart from the first series ofprojections and the second series of projections.

In some implementations, a cross-sectional area of the first series ofprojections decreases in a direction that extends from the midsoletoward the outsole. Additionally, a cross-sectional area of the secondseries of projections may decrease in a direction that extends from themidsole toward the outsole. In some examples, the first series ofprojections and the second series of projections include a constantlytapered outer surface. In these examples, the tapered outer surface mayterminate at a rounded, distal end of each projection that opposes theinner surface of the outsole. The first series of projections mayoptionally oppose a heel portion of the outsole, while the second seriesof projections may optionally oppose a forefoot portion of the outsole.In one configuration, the first series of projections extend fartherfrom the bottom surface of the midsole than the second series ofprojections. In some scenarios, the first series of projections and thesecond series of projections may be spaced apart from one another by avoid disposed proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.

In some examples, the particulate matter disposed within the cavityincludes foam beads having approximately the same size and shape or atleast one of a different size and shape. In these examples, the foambeads may include a substantially spherical shape.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of making an articleof footwear. The method includes providing a cavity between a footbedand an outsole and providing one of the footbed and the outsole with afirst series of projections that extend into the cavity in a firstdirection toward the other one of the footbed and the outsole. The firstseries of projections are spaced apart from the other of the footbed andthe outsole. The method also includes providing the one of the footbedand the outsole with a second series of projections that extend into thecavity in the first direction toward the other one of the footbed andthe outsole. The second series of projections are spaced apart from theother one of the footbed and the outsole. The second series ofprojections has a different height than the first series of projections.The method also includes providing the cavity with a quantity ofparticulate matter.

In some examples, the method includes providing the outsole with thefirst series of projections and the second series of projections. Inthese examples, the quantity of particulate matter is provided around abase of the first series of projections and around a base of the secondseries of projections.

In some implementations, the method includes providing the one of thefootbed and the outsole with the first series of projections byproviding the first series of projections with a cross-sectional areathat decreases in a direction toward the other one of the footbed andthe outsole. Optionally, the method includes providing the one of thefootbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and thesecond series of projections by providing the first series ofprojections and the second series of projections with a constantlytapered outer surface. The method may also include providing the one ofthe footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and thesecond series of projections by providing a void between the firstseries of projections and the second series of projections proximate toa mid-foot portion of the outsole.

In some examples, the method includes providing the one of the footbedand the outsole with the first series of projections and the secondseries of projections by providing the first series of projectionsproximate to a heel portion of the outsole and the second series ofprojections proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole. In theseexamples, the method may also include extending the first series ofprojections farther from the one of the footbed and the outsole than thesecond series of projections.

In some examples, providing the cavity with particulate matter includesproviding the cavity with foam beads. Providing the cavity with foambeads may include providing the cavity with a quantity of foam beadshaving a substantially spherical cross-section. Additionally oralternatively, providing the cavity with foam beads may includeproviding the cavity with a quantity of foam beads that includeapproximately the same size and shape or at least one of a differentsize and shape.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in some implementations, an article of footwear10 includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 attached to the upper100. The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or moreportions. The portions may include a forefoot portion 12, a mid-footportion 14, and a heel portion 16. The forefoot portion 12 maycorrespond with toes and joints connecting metatarsal bones with phalanxbones of a foot. The mid-foot portion 14 may correspond with an archarea of the foot, and the heel portion 16 may correspond with rearportions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. The footwear 10 mayinclude lateral and medial sides 18, 20, respectively, correspondingwith opposite sides of the footwear 10 and extending through theportions 12, 14, 16.

The upper 100 includes interior surfaces that define an interior void102 that receives and secures a foot for support on the sole structure200. An ankle opening 104 in the heel portion 16 may provide access tothe interior void 102. For example, the ankle opening 104 may receive afoot to secure the foot within the void 102 and facilitate entry andremoval of the foot from and to the interior void 102. In some examples,one or more fasteners 106 extend along the upper 100 to adjust a fit ofthe interior void 102 around the foot while concurrently accommodatingentry and removal of the foot therefrom. The upper 100 may includeapertures such as eyelets and/or other engagement features such asfabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners 106. The fasteners 106may include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitabletype of fastener.

The upper 100 may additionally include a tongue portion 110 that extendsbetween the interior void 102 and the fasteners 106. The upper 100 maybe formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesivelybonded together to form the interior void 102. Suitable materials of theupper may include, but are not limited, textiles, foam, leather, andsynthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impartproperties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance,flexibility, and comfort to the foot while disposed within the interiorvoid 102.

In some implementations, the sole structure 200 includes an outsole 210and a midsole 220 arranged in a layered configuration. The outsole 210is generally positioned on a bottom surface of the article of footwear10 to allow the outsole 210 to contact a ground surface during use. Themidsole 220 is disposed between the upper 100 and the outsole 210 andprovides a degree of cushioning to the foot during use of the article offootwear 10. In some examples, the sole structure 200 may alsoincorporate additional layers such as an insole or sockliner, which mayreside within the interior void 102 of the upper 100 to receive aplantar surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the footwear 10.In some examples, a sidewall 230 separates the outsole 210 and themidsole 220 to define a cavity 240 therebetween. In someimplementations, projections 300 extend into the cavity 240 to providecushioning for the foot as well as to control migration of particulatematter 350 residing in the cavity 240 during use of the footwear 10. Theprojections 300 and the particulate matter 350 disposed within thecavity 240 may cooperate to enhance functionality and cushioningcharacteristics that a conventional midsole provides. For example, oneor more polymer foam materials, such as ethyl-vinyl-acetate orpolyurethane, may form the projections 300 to provide resilientcompressibility under an applied load to attenuate ground-reactionforces. The particulate matter 350 may include foam beads having asubstantially spherical shape. In some examples, the particulate matter350 includes foam beads that have approximately the same size and shape.In other examples, the particulate matter 350 includes foam beads havingat least one of a different size and shape.

In some examples, the outsole 210 includes a ground-engaging surface 212and an opposite interior surface 214. The outsole 210 may attach to theupper 100. In some examples, the sidewall 230 extends from the perimeterof the outsole 210 and attaches to the midsole 220 or the upper 100. Theexample of FIG. 1 shows the outsole 210 attaching to the upper 100proximate to a tip of the forefoot portion 12. The outsole 210 isgenerally configured to provide abrasion-resistance and traction withthe ground surface. The outsole 210 may be formed from one or morematerials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhancetraction with the ground surface. For example, rubber may form at leasta portion of the outsole 210.

The midsole 220 may include a bottom surface 222 and a footbed 224disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220 than the bottom surface222. Stitching 226 or adhesives may secure the midsole 220 to the upper100. The footbed 224 may be contoured to conform to a profile of thebottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot. In some examples, an insoleor sockliner may be disposed on the footbed 224 under the foot within atleast a portion of the interior void 102 of the upper 100. The bottomsurface 222 may oppose the inner surface 214 of the outsole 210 todefine the cavity 240 therebetween.

The midsole 220 may be formed from a flexible material to allow themidsole 220 to conform to and react with the particulate matter 350residing in the cavity 240. In so doing, the flexible midsole 220 maycorrespond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350residing in the cavity 240 to interact with the profile of the bottomsurface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200.Providing the midsole 220 with the ability to flex during use of thearticle of footwear 10 allows the midsole 220 to conform to the surfaceprofile of the bottom of the foot when compressed in response to aground-reaction force which, in turn, allows the foot to experience asoft-type cushioning afforded by the compressibility of the particulatematter 350. In some examples, the sidewall 230 may define a perimeter ofthe cavity 240 as well as a depth of the cavity 240 based on a length ofseparation between the bottom surface 222 and the inner surface 214. Oneor more polymer foam materials may form the sidewall 230 to provideresilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuateground-reaction forces.

FIG. 2 provides an exploded view of the article of footwear 10 showingthe projections 300 extending in a direction from the inner surface 214of the outsole 210 toward the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220. Inthis implementation, the quantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foambeads) residing within the cavity 240 may be disposed around each of theprojections 300 proximate to the inner surface 214 of the outsole 210.In some examples, the projections 300 are arranged in repeating rows andeach projection 300 is equally spaced from adjacent projections 300. Inother examples, the projections 300 are arranged in alternatingrepeating rows to restrict movement or migration of the particulatematter 300.

Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line3-3 of FIG. 1 shows the projections 300 extending in the direction fromthe inner surface 214 of the outsole 210 toward the bottom surface 222of the midsole 220. In the example of FIG. 3, arrow 302 denotes thedirection from the outsole 210 toward the midsole 220. In someimplementations, the projections 300 include a first series ofprojections 310 and a second series of projections 320 each extending inthe first direction from the inner surface 214 (outsole 210) toward thebottom surface 222 (midsole 222). The first series of projections 310may be disposed proximate to the heel portion 16 of the outsole 210while the second series of projections 320 may be disposed proximate tothe forefoot portion 12 of the outsole 16. In some examples, the firstseries of projections 310 are separated from the second series ofprojections 320 by a void 330. The example of FIG. 3 shows the void 330located at or proximate to the mid-foot portion 14 of the outsole 210 toseparate the first series of projections 310 disposed proximate the heelportion 16 from the second series of projections 320 disposed proximatethe forefoot portion 12. The first series of projections 310 may includea corresponding base 312 and a corresponding rounded, distal end 314.Likewise, the second series of projections 310 may include acorresponding base 322 and a corresponding rounded, distal end 324. Thequantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) may be dispersedand disposed around the corresponding bases 312, 322 of the first andsecond series of projections 310, 320, respectively.

In some implementations, each projection of the first series ofprojections 310 includes a cross-sectional area that decreases as theprojections 310 extend from the base 312 toward the rounded, distal end314 (e.g., the cross-sectional area of the projections 310 decreases inthe first direction). Additionally or alternatively, each projection ofthe second series of projections 320 may include a cross-sectional areathat decreases as the projections 320 extend from the base 322 towardthe rounded, distal end 324 (e.g., the cross-sectional area of theprojections 320 decreases in the first direction). In some examples, thefirst and second series of projections 310, 320 include a constantlytapered outer surface extending between the bases 312, 322 and thedistal ends 314, 324. In the example shown, the tapered outer surface ofeach projection 310, 320 terminates at its corresponding rounded, distalend 314, 324.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the tapered outer surface of the projections 310, 320defining valleys between adjacent projections 310, 320 for receiving, orotherwise, housing the particulate matter 350. The distal ends 314, 324may oppose the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220. The tapering anddecreasing cross-sectional area of the projections 310, 320 may restrictmigration or movement of the particulate matter 350 near the bases 312,322 while permitting some movement or migration of the particulatematter 350 near the distal ends 314, 324. Conversely, the void 330 mayrestrict all migration of particulate matter 350 between the forefootportion 12 and the heel portion 16 of the sole structure 200.

In addition to controlling migration of the particulate matter 350, thetapering and decreasing cross-sectional area of the projections 300 alsocontrols compressibility of the projections 300. Controlling thecompressibility of the projections 300 dictates the responsiveness ofthe cushioning at the corresponding forefoot and heel portions 12 and 16(and/or the mid-foot portion 14). For example, smaller loads applied tothe tip or distal ends 314, 324 of the projections 300 more easilycompresses the projections 300 at the tips, as the cross-sectional areaof the projections 300 at the tips is relatively small. The remainder ofthe projections 300 will only compress when a sufficient load is appliedto each projection 300 to compress the wider, bases 312, 322 of theprojections 300. Accordingly, the projections 300 provide a gradientcushioning affect that increases the degree of compressibility as theapplied load increases. If the particulate matter 350 is only disposedproximate to the bases 312, 322 of the projections, the particulatematter 350 will only add to the cushioning affect when a sufficient loadis applied to the projections 300 to compress the projections apredetermined amount (i.e., such that the projections 300 are compressedin a direction opposite to direction 302). Conversely, if a sufficientquantity of particulate matter 350 is disposed within the cavity 240such that the particulate matter 350 extends between the distal ends314, 324 and the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220, any force thatdeflects the midsole 220 will cause compressibility of the particulatematter 350 within the cavity 240. Such forces may case the particulatematter 350 to migrate or otherwise move relative to and within thecavity 240 and, in so doing, transfer the applied load to theprojections 300 at the distal ends 314, 324.

In some implementations, the projections 310, 320 extending from theoutsole 210 (e.g., inner surface 214) are spaced apart from the midsole220 (e.g., bottom surface 222). In other words, a gap may exist betweenthe bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220 and the distal ends 314, 324opposing the bottom surface 222. In these implementations, theprojections 310, 320 are spaced from the midsole 220 when the solestructure 200 is not under an applied load and is at rest. Compressingthe sole structure 200, however, may cause the bottom surface 222 of themidsole 220, in cooperation with the particulate matter 350, totranslate toward the outsole 210 and into contact with one or more ofthe projections 310, 320. In other implementations, the projections 310,320 are in contact with the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220 evenwhen the sole structure 200 is not under load. In other words, thedistal ends 314, 324 oppose and contact the bottom surface 222 of themidsole 220. In some examples, a portion of either of the distal ends314, 324 may contact the bottom surface 222 while the remaining portionof the distal ends 314, 324 may be spaced apart from the bottom surface222 when the sole structure 200 is at rest. Compressibility by theprojections 310, 320 may provide a responsive-type cushioning.

A distance between the inner surface 214 of the outsole 210 and thedistal ends 314 defines a height of the first series of projections 310.Likewise, a distance between the inner surface 214 and the distal ends324 defines a height of the second series of projections 320.Alternatively, the height of the projections 310, 320 may be obtainedbased on a distance between the distal ends 314, 324 and thecorresponding bases 312, 322. In some examples, the height of the firstseries of projections 310 is different than the height of the secondseries of projections 320. For example, FIG. 3 shows the first series ofprojections 310 having a greater height (e.g., corresponding distal ends314 extend farther from the inner surface 214) compared to the secondseries of projections 320. The height (and tapering) of the projections300 effectuates the ability to disperse the particulate matter 350. Forexample, the heel portion 16 permits a greater quantity of particulatematter 350 to be disposed at the base 312 than in the forefoot portion12 due to the first series of projections 310 extending further from theinner surface 214 (e.g., greater height) compared to the second seriesof projections 320. While the examples herein show the height beinguniform for each of the first series of projections 310 and thecorresponding height being uniform for each of the second series ofprojections 320, in some configurations, the heights of individual onesof either of the series of projections 310, 320 may vary.

The examples of FIGS. 1-3 show that the geometry (e.g., height,tapering, cross-sectional area) and the arrangement of the first andsecond projections 310, 320 extending into the cavity 240 effectuatesthe dispersion of particulate matter 350 and allows for cushioning fromsoft to responsive during gradient loading of the sole structure 200,such as during a walking or a running movement. For example, increasingthe level of soft cushioning may be more desirable at the heel portion16 due to an initial impact of a ground-reaction force occurring at theheel portion 16. Accordingly, a higher ratio of particulate matter 350may reside at the heel portion 16 by extending the first series ofprojections 310 further from the inner surface 214. In this example, thequantity of particulate matter 350 may provide the level of soft-typecushioning during the initial impact of the ground-reaction force whilecompressibility of the projections 310, 320 may occur after the initialimpact to provide responsive-type cushioning.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, in some implementations, an article of footwear10 a includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 a attached to theupper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure andfunction of the components associated with the article of footwear 10with respect to the article of footwear 10 a, like reference numeralsare used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like componentswhile like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used toidentify those components that have been modified. The sole structure200 a may include an outsole 210 a and a midsole 220 a arranged in thelayered configuration and defining a cavity 240 a therebetween. Theoutsole 210 a includes an interior surface 214 a disposed on an oppositeside of the outsole 210 a than the ground-engaging surface 212. Themidsole 220 a includes a bottom surface 222 a disposed on an oppositeside of the midsole 220 a than the footbed 224. The bottom surface 222 aopposes the inner surface 214 a to define the cavity 240 a therebetween.The sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 a and the innersurface 214 a to define a depth of the cavity 240 a.

In some implementations, projections 300 a extend into the cavity 240 ato provide cushioning for the foot as well as to control migration ofthe particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 a during use ofthe footwear 10 a. The projections 300 a may be formed from the one ormore polymer foam materials that form the projections 300 of FIGS. 1-3to provide resilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuateground-reaction forces. FIG. 5 provides an exploded view of the articleof footwear 10 a showing the projections 300 a extending in a directionfrom the bottom surface 222 a of the midsole 220 a toward the innersurface 214 a of the outsole 210 a. In this implementation, the quantityof particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) may be disposed and layeredon the inner surface 214 a of the outsole 210 a to reside within thecavity 240 a around each of the projections 300 a that extend from thebottom surface 222 a of the midsole 220 a. In some examples, theprojections 300 a are arranged in repeating rows and each projection 300a is equally spaced apart from adjacent projections 300 a. In otherexamples, the projections 300 a are arranged in alternating repeatingrows to restrict movement or migration of particulate matter 350. Themidsole 220 a may be formed from the flexible material forming themidsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 a with sufficientflexibility. Providing the midsole 220 a with flexibility allows theparticulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 a around theprojections 300 a to provide the foot with cushioning when the midsole220 and, thus, the projections 300 a are deflected during loading of thesole structure 200 a.

In some examples, one or more dividers 332 a, 334 a partially extendinto the cavity 240 from the inner surface 214 a of the outsole 210 a.The dividers 332 a, 334 a extend between the lateral and medial sides18, 20 and include ends terminating at the sidewall 230. The dividers332 a, 334 a may cooperate with one or more of the projections 300 a torestrict or manipulate migration of the particulate matter 350 betweendivided regions or portions of the cavity 240. In some examples, a firstdivider 332 a is located proximate to the mid-foot portion 14 of theoutsole 210 a. Additionally or alternatively, in other examples, asecond divider 334 a is located proximate to the forefoot portion 12 ofthe outsole 210 a. FIG. 5 shows a forefoot region 512 disposed to theright of the second divider 334 a, a mid-foot region 514 extendingbetween the first and second dividers 332 a, 334 a, and a heel region516 disposed to the left of the first divider 332 a.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4and show the projections 300 a extending in the direction from thebottom surface 222 a of the midsole 220 a toward the inner surface 214 aof the outsole 210. In the examples of FIGS. 6 and 7, arrow 602 denotesthe direction from the midsole 220 a toward the outsole 210 a. In someimplementations, the projections 300 a include a first series ofprojections 310 a and a second series of projections 320 a eachextending in the direction of arrow 602. The first series of projections310 a may be disposed proximate to the heel portion 16 of the outsole210 a while the second series of projections 320 a may be disposedproximate to the forefoot portion 12 of the outsole 210 a.

In some examples, the first series of projections 310 a are separatedfrom the second series of projections 320 a by a void 330 a. As shown inFIG. 6, the first divider 332 a extends from the inner surface 214 a ofthe outsole 210 a into the void 330 a in an area of a third series ofprojections 340 a. The third series of projections 340 a are locatedproximate to the mid-foot portion 14 and extend in the direction fromthe bottom surface 222 a toward the inner surface 214 a. The thirdseries of projections 340 a may cooperate with the first divider 332 awithin the void 330 a to restrict migration of the particulate matter350 within the cavity 240 a in a direction substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis of the article of footwear 10. Specifically, the thirdseries of projections 340 a are arranged between the lateral and medialsides 18, 20 in parallel with the first divider 332 a and may contactthe first divider 332 a to substantially contain the particulate matter350 in corresponding regions 514 or 516 (FIG. 6). Alternatively, a gapmay separate the projections 340 a and the first divider 332 a to permitsome migration of particulate matter 350 across the gap proximate to thedivider 332 a (FIG. 7) between the mid-foot region 514 and the heelregion 516. Similarly, FIGS. 6 and 7 both show a gap existing betweenthe second divider 334 a and the second series of projections 320 a,thereby permitting some migration of particulate matter 350 between theforefoot region 512 and the mid-foot region 514 of the sole structure200 a.

Similar to the projections 300 in the example of FIG. 3, the firstseries of projections 310 a may include a corresponding base 312 a and acorresponding rounded, distal end 314 a. Likewise, the second series ofprojections 320 a may include a corresponding base 322 a and acorresponding rounded, distal end 324 a. In some implementations, thefirst series of projections 310 a includes a cross-sectional area thatdecreases as the projections 310 a extend from the base 312 a toward therounded, distal end 314 a (e.g., the cross-sectional area of theprojections 310 a decreases in the direction of arrow 602). Additionallyor alternatively, each projection of the second series of projections320 a may include a cross-sectional area that decreases as theprojections 320 a extend from the base 322 a toward the rounded, distalend 324 a (e.g., the cross-sectional area of the projections 320 adecreases in the direction of arrow 602). In some examples, the firstand second series of projections 310 a, 320 a include a constantlytapered outer surface extending between the bases 312 a, 322 a and thedistal ends 314 a, 324 a. The examples of FIGS. 6 and 7 show the taperedouter surface of each projection 310 a, 320 a terminating at itscorresponding rounded, distal end 314 a, 324 a. The distal ends 314 a,324 a may oppose the inner surface 214 a of the outsole 210 a. Thetapered and decreasing cross-sectional area of the projections 310 a,320 a may restrict migration or movement of the particulate matter 350near the bases 312 a, 322 a while permitting some movement or migrationof the particulate matter 350 through the cavity 240 near the distalends 314 a, 324 a. The void 330 a, however, may restrict all migrationof particulate matter 350 between the forefoot portion 12 and the heelportion 16 of the sole structure 200 a if the third projections 340 acontact the first divider 332 a, which essentially forms a wall thatextends across the article of footwear 10 between the lateral side 18and the medial side 20. This wall may be formed by providing the thirdprojections 340 a with a sufficient width such that adjacent projections340 a are in contact with one another in a direction extendingsubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the article offootwear 10, thereby creating a continuous wall that extends between thelateral side 18 and the medial side 20.

In addition to controlling migration of the particulate matter 350, thetapered and decreasing cross-sectional area may also controlcompressibility of the projections 300 a to dictate how soft and howresponsive the cushioning is at the corresponding forefoot and heelportions 12 and 16 (and/or the mid-foot portion 14). The tapered, outersurface of the projections 310 a, 320 a defines valleys between adjacentprojections 310 a, 320 a for receiving, or otherwise, housing theparticulate matter 350. For example, and with reference to FIG. 6, thequantity of particulate matter 350 fills the valleys of the cavity 240between the projections 310 a, 320 a and the inner surface 214 a. Inthese examples, the distal ends 314 a, 324 a, the bases 312, 322, andthe inner surface 214 a cooperate to compress the particulate matter 350to attenuate a ground-reaction force under gradient loading of the solestructure 200 a.

In other examples, and with reference to FIG. 7, a smaller quantity ofparticulate matter 350 is dispersed within the cavity 240 a than in theexample of FIG. 6, thereby resulting in no particulate matter 350 withinportions of the valleys proximate to the corresponding bases 322 a, 324a. In these examples, the particulate matter 350 compresses in responseto a ground-reaction force by the distal ends 314 a, 324 a cooperatingwith the interior surface 214 a. As the particulate matter 350compresses, the partially empty valleys between adjacent projections 310a, 320 a permit the particulate matter 350 to shift and occupypreviously un-occupied space within the cavity 240 a.

The projections 310 a, 320 a extending from the midsole 220 a (e.g.,bottom surface 222 a) may be separated from the outsole 210 a (e.g.,inner surface 214 a). For example, a gap may exist between the innersurface 214 a of the outsole 210 a and the distal ends 314 a, 324 a thatoppose the inner surface 214 a when the sole structure 200 a is notunder an applied load. However, one or more of the distal ends 314 a,324 a may contact the inner surface 214 a as corresponding projections310 a, 310 b translate in unison with the midsole 220 a as theparticulate matter 350 compresses under gradient loading. Here, theprojections 310 a, 320 a may compress while contacting the inner surface214 a during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 a. As discussedabove, compressibility by the particulate matter 350 may provide asoft-type cushioning while compressibility by the projections 300 a mayprovide a responsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, the projections 300 aand the particulate matter 350 may cooperate to provide gradientcushioning to the article of footwear 10 that changes as the appliedload changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the projections 300 aare compressed and, thus, the more responsive the footwear 10 performs).In some configurations, the midsole 220 a, or a portion thereof, may beremoved to provide direct contact between the bottom surface of the footand the base 312 a of the first series of projections 310 a and/or thebase 322 a of the second series of projections 320 a. In theseconfigurations, a flat surface of at least one of the bases 312 a, 322 aopposite the distal ends 314 a, 324 a and opposing the bottom surface ofthe foot may correspond to a flexible stroble that allows theparticulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 a to provide the footwith cushioning during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 a asthe projections 310 a and/or 320 a move toward the particulate matter350.

The distance between the bottom surface 222 a of the midsole 220 a andthe distal ends 314 a defines a height of the first series ofprojections 310 a and the distance between the bottom surface 222 a ofthe midsole 220 a and the distal ends 324 a defines a height of thesecond series of projections 320 a. Alternatively, the height of theprojections 310 a, 320 a may be obtained based on a distance between thedistal ends 314 a, 324 a and the corresponding bases 312 a, 322 a. Insome examples, the height of the first series of projections 310 a isdifferent than the height of the second series of projections 320 a. Forexample, FIGS. 6 and 7 show the first series of projections 310 a havinga greater height (e.g., corresponding distal ends 314 a extend fartherfrom the bottom surface 222 a) compared to the second series ofprojections 320 a. The height (and tapering) of the projections 300 aeffectuates the quantity of the particulate matter 350 permitted toreside within the cavity 240 a. For example, the heel portion 16 permitsa greater quantity of particulate matter 350 than in the forefootportion 12 due to the first series of projections 310 a extendingfurther from the bottom surface 222 a (e.g., greater height) compared tothe second series of projections 320 a. While the examples herein showthe height being uniform for each of the first series of projections 310a and the corresponding height being uniform for each of the secondseries of projections 320 a, in some scenarios, the heights of theprojections 300 a may vary among individual projections of either one ofthe first and second series of projections 310 a, 320 a.

The examples of FIGS. 4-7 show that the geometry (e.g., height,tapering, cross-sectional area) and the arrangement of the first andsecond projections 310 a, 320 a extending into the cavity 240 aeffectuate the dispersion of particulate matter 350 and allow forcushioning from soft to responsive during gradient loading of the solestructure 200 a, such as during a walking or a running movement. Forexample, increasing the level of soft-type cushioning may be moredesirable at the heel portion 16 than at the forefoot portion 12 due toan initial impact of a ground-reaction force occurring at the heelportion 16. Accordingly, a greater quantity of particulate matter 350may reside at the heel portion 16 by extending the first series ofprojections 310 a further from the bottom surface 222 a. In thisexample, the quantity of particulate matter 350 may provide the level ofsoft-type cushioning during the initial impact of the ground-reactionforce while compressibility of the projections 310 a, 320 a may occurafter the initial impact to provide the level of responsive-typecushioning. Moreover, the quantity of particulate matter 350 residing inthe cavity 240 a may vary to increase or decrease the level of soft-typecushioning when the footwear 10 a is worn.

The quantity of particulate matter 350 may be expressed as a ratio ofparticulate matter 350 to un-occupied space in the cavity 240 a. Forexample, by filling all valleys of the cavity 240 a between theprojections 310 a, 320 a and the interior surface 214 a of the outsole210 a with particulate matter 350 (FIG. 6), the level of soft-typecushioning increases to attenuate a ground-reaction force under loadingof the sole structure 200 a while the shifting of the particulate matter350 is also limited due to the lack of un-occupied space. In contrast,by dispersing a lower quantity of particulate matter 350 within thecavity 240 a, to provide a lower ratio of the particulate matter 350 toun-occupied space (FIG. 7), the level of soft-type cushioning decreasesduring gradient loading while the particulate matter 350 is alsopermitted to shift into and occupy the previously un-occupied spacewithin the cavity 240 a as the particulate matter 350 and theprojections 310 a, 320 a compress. The ability for the particulatematter 350 to shift to previously un-occupied space in the cavity 240 amay dynamically provide soft-type cushioning to various regions orportions of the sole structure 200 a based on the magnitude of theground-reaction force and a direction at which the ground-reaction forceis applied.

Referring to FIGS. 8-11, in some implementations, an article of footwear10 b includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 b attached to theupper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure andfunction of the components associated with the article of footwear 10with respect to the article of footwear 10 b, like reference numeralsare used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like componentswhile like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used toidentify those components that have been modified. The sole structure200 b may include an outsole 210 b and a midsole 220 b arranged in thelayered configuration and defining a cavity 240 b therebetween. Theoutsole 210 b includes an inner surface 214 b disposed on an oppositeside of the outsole 210 b than the ground-engaging surface 212. Themidsole 220 b includes a bottom surface 222 b disposed on an oppositeside of the midsole 220 b than a footbed 224 b. The sole structure 200 bmay further include an insole 228 (FIGS. 10 and 11) disposed on thefootbed 224 b under the foot within at least a portion of the interiorvoid 102 of the upper 100. The bottom surface 222 b opposes the innersurface 214 b to define the cavity 240 b and the sidewall 230 mayseparate the bottom surface 222 b and the inner surface 214 b to definea depth of the cavity 240 b.

In some implementations, projections 300 b extend into the cavity 240 bto provide cushioning for the foot as well as to control migration ofthe particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 b during use ofthe footwear 10 b. The projections 300 b may be formed from the one ormore polymer foam materials that form the projections 300, 300 a ofFIGS. 1-7 to provide resilient compressibility under an applied load toattenuate ground-reaction forces. FIG. 9 provides an exploded view ofthe article of footwear 10 b showing the projections 300 b extending ina direction from the inner surface 214 b of the outsole 210 b toward thebottom surface 222 b of the midsole 220 b and arranged in a patternacross the inner surface 214 b to define multiple honeycomb-shapedcompartments 902.

In some examples, a divider 334 b may extend partially into the cavity240 b from the inner surface 214 a of the outsole 210. The divider 334 bmay restrict or manipulate migration of the particulate matter 350between specified regions or portions within the cavity 240 b of thesole structure 200 b. For example, a forefoot region 912 is located tothe right of the divider 334 b relative to the view shown in FIG. 10while the projections 300 b are located to the left of the divider 334 brelative to the view shown in FIG. 10. The examples of FIGS. 9-11 showthe divider 334 b as being located proximate to the forefoot portion 12of the outsole 210. While the divider 334 b is shown as being locatedproximate to the forefoot portion 12, one or more other dividers mayadditionally or alternatively be located proximate to the mid-footportion 14 and/or the heel portion 16 of the outsole 210 b.

The projections 300 b defining the honeycomb-shaped compartments 902 mayreceive a portion of the quantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foambeads) at the mid-foot and heel portions 14, 16 of the sole structure200 b (e.g., to the left of the divider 334 b). Likewise, a remainingportion of the quantity of particulate matter 350 may be disposed andlayered on the inner surface 214 b to reside within the cavity 240 b atthe forefoot region 912 of the sole structure 200 b (e.g., to the rightof the divider 334 b relative to the view shown in FIG. 10).Accordingly, the projections 300 b and the particulate matter 350 maycooperate to provide a combination of soft- and response-type cushioningat the mid-foot and heel portions 14, 16 while the particulate matter350 provides soft-type cushioning in the forefoot region 912 at theforefoot portion 12 during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 b.The midsole 220 b may be formed from the flexible material forming themidsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 b with sufficientflexibility, thereby allowing the particulate matter 350 received withinthe honeycomb-shaped compartments 902 to interact with the profile ofthe bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the solestructure 200 b.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views taken along line 10-10 of FIG.8 showing the projections 300 b extending in the direction from theinner surface 214 a of the outsole 210 b toward the bottom surface 222 aof the midsole 220 b. In some examples, the projections 300 b may extendfrom a projection base 900 opposing and contacting the inner surface 214b of the outsole 210 b. In the examples of FIGS. 9 and 10, arrow 302denotes the direction from the outsole 210 b toward the midsole 220 b.In some examples, the size and volume of one or more of thehoneycomb-shaped compartments 902 is different to provide differentlevels of cushioning from soft to responsive. In some examples, theprojections 300 b and the projection base 900 are part of a singlecomponent disposed within the cavity 240 b located on the inner surface214 b. In implementations omitting the projection base 900, theprojections 300 b may be part of a single component 240 b disposed onthe inner surface 214 b. In other examples, the projections 300 b areintegrally formed with the outsole 210 b and extend from the innersurface 214 b.

Referring to FIG. 10, the projections 300 b are shown as extending inthe direction of the arrow 302 from the projection base 900 (or theinner surface 214 b if the base 900 is omitted) toward the bottomsurface 222 b and as terminating at a point of contact with the bottomsurface 222 b. The quantity of particulate matter 350 resides betweenthe inner surface 214 b and the bottom surface 222 b at the forefootportion 12 and within the honeycomb-shaped compartments 902 defined bythe projections 300 b in the mid-foot at heel portions 14, 16 of thesole structure 200 b. In the example of FIG. 10, each compartment 902restricts the particulate matter 350 residing therein from migrating orshifting to adjacent compartments 902. In some scenarios, under gradientloading of the sole structure 200 b, the projections 300 b compress toprovide response-type cushioning and the particulate matter 350compresses to provide soft-type cushioning to attenuate ground-reactionforces.

In other examples, referring to FIG. 11, the projections 300 b extend inthe direction of the arrow 302 from the projection base 900 (or theinner surface 214 b if the base 900 is omitted) toward the bottomsurface 222 b and terminate at corresponding distal ends 314 b withoutcontacting the bottom surface 222 b of the midsole 220 b when the solestructure 200 b is at rest. Thus, a gap separates the distal ends 314 band the bottom surface 222 b of the midsole 220 b. While the particulatematter 350 resides in the cavity 240 b at the forefoot, mid-foot, andheel portions 12, 14, 16, respectively, when the sole structure 200 b isat rest and not under load, the particulate matter 350 residing in thehoneycomb-shaped compartments 902 may migrate over the distal ends 314 bvia the gaps to adjacent compartments when the sole structure 200 b isunder load. In other words, under gradient loading of the sole structure200 b, the particulate matter 350 initially compresses between thebottom surface 222 b, the inner surface 214 b, and the projections 300 bto provide an initial soft-type cushioning to attenuate ground-reactionforces. Thereafter, the compressing particulate matter 350 causes themidsole 220 b to translate in a direction opposite the arrow 302 towardthe inner surface 214 b and into contact with the distal ends 314 b ofthe projections 300 b. As the midsole translates 220 b, but before thebottom surface 222 b contacts the distal ends 314 b, the portion of theparticulate matter 350 residing within one or more of the compartments902 may migrate to adjacent compartments 902 based on a magnitude anddirection of the ground-reaction force.

Compressing the projections 300 b by the translating the midsole 220 bprovides responsive-type cushioning after the initial soft-typecushioning provided by the particulate matter 350 to further attenuateground-reaction forces. Migration of the particulate matter 350 betweenthe honeycomb-shaped compartments 902 effectuates how the soft-type andresponsive-type cushioning is distributed during gradient-loading. Thedivider 334 b, however, restricts migration of particulate matter 350into and out of the forefoot region 912 that resides below the divider334 b. Moreover, the magnitude and direction of the ground-reactionforce applied to the sole structure 200 b may dictate how and if theparticulate matter 350 will migrate over the distal ends 314 b of theprojections 300 b via the gaps. In some configurations, the midsole 220b, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contactbetween the insole 228 supporting the bottom surface of the foot and theparticulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 b. In theseconfigurations, the insole 228 may correspond to a flexible stroble thatallows the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 b toconform to the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of thesole structure 200 b.

Referring to FIGS. 12-15, in some implementations, an article offootwear 10 c includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 c attachedto the upper 100. FIG. 12 shows a bottom perspective view of thefootwear 10 c. In view of the substantial similarity in structure andfunction of the components associated with the article of footwear 10with respect to the article of footwear 10 c, like reference numeralsare used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like componentswhile like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used toidentify those components that have been modified. The sole structure200 c may include an outsole 210 c and a midsole 220 c arranged in thelayered configuration and defining a cavity 240 c therebetween. Theoutsole 210 c includes an inner surface 214 c disposed on an oppositeside of the outsole 210 c than a ground-engaging surface 212 c. Themidsole 220 c includes a bottom surface 222 c disposed on an oppositeside of the midsole 220 c than the footbed 224 b. The sole structure 200c may further include an insole 228 (FIGS. 14 and 15) disposed on thefootbed 224 b under the foot within at least a portion of the interiorvoid 102 of the upper 100. The bottom surface 222 c opposes the innersurface 214 c to define the cavity 240 c and the sidewall 230 mayseparate the bottom surface 222 c and the inner surface 214 c to definea depth of the cavity 240 c.

In some implementations, the particulate matter 350 is received within acasing 1350 and the cavity 240 c receives the casing 1350. In someconfigurations, the casing 1350 is flexible and may be transparent oropaque. FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the article of footwear 12 cshowing the particulate matter 350 residing within the transparentcasing 1350. The casing 1350 includes a bottom surface 1352 and a topsurface 1354 that define a volume for receiving and storing a quantityof the particulate matter 350. The casing 1350 may be disposed on theinner surface 214 c of the outsole 210 c, while the perimeter of thecasing 1350 may be enclosed by the sidewall 230. That is, the bottomsurface 1352 opposes and rests on the inner surface 214 c and the topsurface 1354 opposes the bottom surface 222 c of the midsole 220 c whilethe sidewall 230 encloses the casing 1350. In some examples, the depthof the casing 1350 extending from the inner surface 214 c toward themidsole 220 c is less than a depth of the cavity 240 c defined by thesidewall 230 separating the outsole 210 c and the midsole 220 c. Thevolume of the casing 1350 may be substantially filled with layers of theparticulate matter 350, thereby resulting in the casing 1350 beingsubstantially firm. The midsole 220 c may be formed from the flexiblematerial forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220c with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowing the particulate matter350 received within the casing 1350 and residing in the cavity 240 c tointeract with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot duringgradient loading of the sole structure 200 c.

In some examples, the casing 1350 has one or more dividers 332 c, 334 c,336 c extending between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20 and alsofrom the bottom surface 1352 toward the top surface 1354 of the casing1350. The dividers 332 c-336 c may also be referred to as projections.One divider 332 c may be located proximate to the mid-foot portion 14 ofthe sole structure 200 c, another divider 334 c may be located proximateto the forefoot portion 12 of the sole structure 200 c, and anotherdivider 336 c may be located proximate to the heel portion 16 of thesole structure 200 c. In some configurations, a toe region 1300 of thecasing 1350 is formed to the right of the divider 334 c relative to theview shown in FIG. 14, a forefoot region 1302 is formed between thedividers 332 c and 334 c, a mid-foot region 1304 is formed between thedividers 332 c and 336 c, and a heel region 1306 is formed to the leftof the divider 336 c relative to the view shown in FIG. 14. The dividers332 c, 334 c, 336 c may restrict or manipulate migration of theparticulate matter 350 between the adjoining regions 1300-1306.Moreover, different quantities of particulate matter 350 may residewithin the corresponding regions 1300-1306 to provide a desired level ofsoft-type cushioning as well as to assist in facilitating migration ofparticulate matter 350 between prescribed adjoining regions duringgradient loading of the sole structure 200 c.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views taken along line 14-14 of FIG.12 showing the casing 1350 filled with the particulate matter 350 andresiding within the cavity 240 c between the midsole 220 c and theoutsole 210 c. More specifically, FIGS. 14 and 15 show theground-engaging surface 212 c of the outsole 210 c engaging a groundsurface 2 when the sole structure 200 c is not under load (FIG. 14) andwhen the sole structure 200 c is under load (FIG. 15). The examples showthe bottom surface 1352 of the casing 1350 protruding toward the topsurface 1354 at corresponding locations to form the dividers 332 c-336 cextending toward the top surface 1354. In some examples, the dividers332 c-336 c terminate within the casing 1350 and gaps separate the topsurface 1354 and the dividers 332 c-336 c. These gaps allow someparticulate matter 350 to migrate between adjoining regions 1300-1306 ofthe casing 1350 during use of the article of footwear 10. Conversely,other configurations may include one or more of the dividers 332 c-336 cterminating at a corresponding point of contact with the top surface1354 to prevent any migration between adjoining regions 1300-1306separated by dividers 332 c-336 c in contact with the top surface 1354.

In some implementations, the outsole 210 c defines a series of grooves442, 444, 446 extending between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20 andalso extending in a direction toward the midsole 220 c. Each groove 442,444, 446 bends and curves in the direction toward the midsole 220 c andis contoured to correspond to respective ones of the dividers 332 c, 334c, 336 c. In some examples, the grooves 442-444 are flexible to formcorresponding flexion regions that enhance the ability of the outsole210 c to flex, bend, or otherwise deform, when the sole structure 200 cis under load, such as during walking, running or jumping. For example,FIG. 15 shows the groove 442 flexing to bend the mid-foot and heelportions 14, 16 of the sole structure 200 c about the groove 442 and offof the ground surface 2 when a load is applied to the sole structure 200c, such as during a walking or running stride. In this example,particulate matter 350 residing in the mid-foot region 1304 above thedivider 332 c may shift or migrate into the forefoot region 1302 and/orparticulate matter 350 residing in the heel region 1304 above divider336 c may shift or migrate into the mid-foot region 1304. In addition tosoft-type cushioning provided by compressing the particulate matter 350,the casing 1350 may include rigidity characteristics to provideresponsive-type cushioning when the sole structure 200 c compresses. Insome configurations, the midsole 220 c and the insole 228, or portionsthereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the bottomsurface of the foot and the top surface 1354 of the casing 1350. Inthese configurations, the top surface 1354 of the casing 1350 maycorrespond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350residing in the cavity 240 c to conform to the bottom surface of thefoot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 c.

Referring to FIGS. 16-18, in some implementations, an article offootwear 10 d includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 d attachedto the upper 100. FIG. 16 shows a bottom perspective view of thefootwear 10 d. In view of the substantial similarity in structure andfunction of the components associated with the article of footwear 10with respect to the article of footwear 10 d, like reference numeralsare used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like componentswhile like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used toidentify those components that have been modified.

The sole structure 200 d may include an outsole 210 d and a midsole 220d arranged in the layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 dtherebetween. The outsole 210 d includes an inner surface 214 d disposedon an opposite side of the outsole 210 d than a ground-engaging surface212 d. The outsole 210 d may define the series of grooves 442, 444, 446(FIGS. 14 and 15) that extend between the lateral and medial sides 18,20 within the cavity 240 d to form the toe, forefoot, mid-foot, and heelregions 1300, 1302, 1304, 1306, respectively. In some implementations,the outsole 210 d further defines one or more closed grooves 1400, 1402,1404, 1406 located within corresponding ones of the regions 1300, 1302,1304, 1306. A closed groove refers to a groove having one or more sidesclosed at its ends to form a loop fully- or partially enclosing aninterior region within the cavity 240 d. The interior regions formed bythe corresponding grooves 1400-1406 may include the same or differentshapes, such as polygonal shapes (e.g., rectangular or trapezoidal) orelliptical shapes. FIG. 16 shows the toe region 1300 having two closedgrooves 1400 symmetrically arranged, the forefoot region 1302 havingclosed groove 1402, the mid-foot region 1304 having closed groove 1404,and the heel region 1306 having closed groove 1406. Each closed groove1400-1406 may extend into the cavity 240 d in a direction toward themidsole 220 d, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

The midsole 220 d includes a bottom surface 222 d disposed on anopposite side of the midsole 220 c than a footbed 224 d and may beintegrally formed with the outsole 210 d. The sole structure 200 d mayfurther include an insole 228 disposed on the footbed 224 b within atleast a portion of the interior void 102 of the upper 100. The bottomsurface 222 d opposes the inner surface 214 d to define the cavity 240d. The sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 d and the innersurface 214 d to define a depth of the cavity 240 d and, as with themidsole 222 d, may be integrally formed with the outsole 210 d.

In some implementations, the particulate matter 350 resides within thecavity 240 d between the inner surface 214 d of the outsole 210 d, thebottom surface 222 d of the midsole 220 d, and the sidewall(s) 230. Incontrast to the examples of FIGS. 12-15, no casing is used to enclosethe particulate matter 350. Instead, the particulate matter 350 fillssome or all of the volume of the cavity 240 d. Referring to FIG. 17, across-sectional view of the heel region 1306 taken along line 17-17 inFIG. 16 shows the closed groove 1406 and the particulate matter 350residing within the cavity 240 d of the sole structure 200 d. In someexamples, the outsole 210 d bends and tapers into the cavity 240 d in adirection toward the midsole 220 d to form the closed groove 1406. Inother examples, the outsole 210 d bends or curves without tapering intothe cavity 240 d. The closed groove 1406 defines a divider 368 locatedproximate to the lateral side 18 and a divider 370 located proximate tothe medial side 20. A lateral peripheral region 1718 is formed betweenthe divider 368 and the sidewall 230 at the lateral side 18, a medialperipheral region 1720 is formed between the divider 370 and thesidewall 230 at the medial side 20, and an interior region 1722 isformed between the dividers 368, 370 (e.g., the interior region 1722 isenclosed by the closed groove 1406). Particulate matter 350 may residein the cavity 240 d at each of the regions 1718, 1720, 1722. In someimplementations, the dividers 368, 370 extend into the cavity 240 d fromthe outsole 210 d and have distal ends that terminate without contactingthe bottom surface 222 d of the midsole 220 d. That is, the distal endsof the dividers 368, 370 and the bottom surface 222 d are separated by acorresponding gap. The corresponding gaps separating the dividers 368,370 and the bottom surface 222 d may permit the particulate matter 350residing in the regions 1718, 1720, 1722 to migrate to adjoining regionsvia the gaps during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 d. Inother implementations, the dividers 368, 370 extend into the cavity 240d from the outsole 210 d and have distal ends that terminate at a pointof contact with the bottom surface 222 d of the midsole 220 d, therebypreventing the particulate matter 350 from migrating between adjoiningregions 1718, 1720, 1722 that are divided and isolated by the dividers368, 370 in contact with the bottom surface 222 d. The midsole 220 d maybe formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS.1-3 to provide the midsole 220 d with sufficient flexibility, therebyallowing the particulate matter 350 received within the cavity 240 d tointeract with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot duringgradient loading of the sole structure 200 d.

Referring to FIG. 18, a partial cross-sectional view of the forefootregion 1302 taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 16 shows the closed groove1402 and the particulate matter 350 residing within the cavity 240 d ofthe sole structure 200 d. In some examples, the outsole 210 d bends andtapers into the cavity 240 d in a direction toward the midsole 220 d toform the closed groove 1402. In other examples, the outsole 210 d bendsor curves without tapering into the cavity 240 d. The closed groove 1402defines a divider 468 located proximate to the lateral side 18 and adivider 470 located proximate to the medial side 20. A lateralperipheral region 1818 is formed between the divider 468 and thesidewall 230 at the lateral side 18, a medial peripheral region 1820 isformed between the divider 470 and the sidewall 230 at the medial side20, and an interior region 1822 is formed between the dividers 468, 470(e.g., the interior region 1822 is enclosed between the closed groove1402).

Particulate matter 350 may reside in the cavity 240 d at each of theregions 1818, 1820, 1822. In some implementations, the dividers 468, 470extend into the cavity 240 d from the outsole 210 d and have distal endsthat terminate without contacting the bottom surface 222 d of themidsole 220 d. That is, the distal ends of the dividers 468, 470 and thebottom surface 222 d are separated by a corresponding gap. Thecorresponding gaps separating the dividers 468, 470 and the bottomsurface 222 d may permit the particulate matter 350 residing in theregions 1818, 1820, 1822 to migrate to adjoining regions via the gapsduring gradient loading of the sole structure 200 d. In otherimplementations, the dividers 468, 470 extend into the cavity 240 d fromthe outsole 210 d and have distal ends that terminate at a point ofcontact with the bottom surface 222 d of the midsole 220 d, therebypreventing the particulate matter 350 from migrating between adjoiningregions 1818, 1820, 1822 that are divided and isolated by the dividers468, 470 in contact with the bottom surface 222 d. The closed grooves1400 and 1404 may be configured similarly to the closed grooves 1402 and1406 discussed in the implementations above. In some configurations, themidsole 220 d, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide directcontact between the insole 228 supporting the bottom surface of the footand the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 d. In theseconfigurations, the insole 228 may correspond to a flexible stroble thatallows the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 d toconform to the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of thesole structure 200 d.

Referring to FIGS. 19-21, an article of footwear 10 e is provided andincludes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 e attached to the upper100. FIG. 19 shows a bottom perspective view of the footwear 10 e. Inview of the substantial similarity in structure and function of thecomponents associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect tothe article of footwear 10 e, like reference numerals are usedhereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while likereference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identifythose components that have been modified.

The sole structure 200 e may include an outsole 210 e and a midsole 220e arranged in the layered configuration and defining the cavity 240 etherebetween. The outsole 210 e includes an inner surface 214 e disposedon an opposite side of the outsole 210 e than the ground-engagingsurface 212 e. The midsole 220 e includes a bottom surface 222 edisposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220 e than a footbed 224 e.The sole structure 200 e may further include an insole 228 disposed onthe footbed 224 e within at least a portion of the interior void 102 ofthe upper 100. The bottom surface 222 e opposes the inner surface 214 eto define the cavity 240 e and the sidewall 230 may separate the bottomsurface 222 e and the inner surface 214 e to define a depth of thecavity 240 e.

In some implementations, a projection plate 300 e extends into thecavity 240 e to control migration of the particulate matter 350 residingin the cavity 240 e during use of the footwear 10 e. FIG. 20 provides anexploded view of the article of footwear 10 e showing the projectionplate 300 e extending in a direction of the arrow 302 from the innersurface 214 e of the outsole 210 e toward the bottom surface 222 e ofthe midsole 220 e. The projection plate 300 e, the midsole 220 e, andthe outsole 210 e extend around a perimeter of the sole structure 200 eand have a shape that generally corresponds with an outline of the foot.More particularly, the projection plate 300 e, the midsole 220 e, andthe outsole 210 e extend from the forefoot portion 12 to the heelportion 16 and also from the lateral side 18 to the medial side 20.Apertures 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 extend between the surfaces of theprojection plate 300 e to form openings that expose portions of theinner surface 214 e of the outsole 210 e. The surfaces of the projectionplate 300 e may be contoured to conform to the shape of the bottomsurface of the foot. One of the apertures 2000 is primarily located inthe forefoot portion 12, while another aperture 2002 is located in theforefoot portion 12 and extends into the mid-foot portion 14. Aperture2004 is located in the mid-foot and heel portions 14, 16, and aperture2006 is primarily located in the heel portion 16 and at a position thatcorresponds with a calcaneus bone of the foot. That is, the aperture2006 in the heel portion 16 is generally located to correspond with theheel of the foot.

Each of the apertures 2000-2006 correspond to receptacles enclosed byinterior walls of the projection plate 300 e to receive and store acorresponding quantity of the particulate matter 350. A distance theprojection plate 300 e extends from the inner surface 214 e of theoutsole 210 e toward the bottom surface 222 e of the midsole 220 edefines a depth of the apertures/receptacles 2000-2006. In someexamples, the projection plate 300 e partially extends into the cavity240 e from the inner surface 214 e of the outsole 210 e, permittingparticulate matter 350 residing above projection plate (e.g., outside ofthe apertures 2000-2006) to migrate through the cavity 240 e toadjoining portions 12, 14, 16 of the sole structure 200 e. In otherexamples, the projection plate 300 e extends through the cavity 240 efrom the inner surface 214 e and into contact with the bottom surface222 e of the midsole 220 e to close off the apertures 2000-2006, therebyrestricting particulate matter 350 residing within the apertures2000-2006 from migrating or shifting away.

The projection plate 300 e may be formed from a diverse range ofmaterials that include polymers, for example. Suitable polymers includepolyester, thermoset urethane, thermoplastic urethane, various nylonformulations, rubber, polyether block amide, polybutylene terephthalate,or blends of these materials. Composite materials may also be formed byincorporating glass fibers or carbon fibers into the various polymermaterials discussed above. In some examples, the plate 300 e may also beformed from polymer foam materials.

Accordingly, a variety of different materials may be utilized inmanufacturing the projection plate 300 e, depending on the desiredproperties of the sole structure 200 e. The midsole 220 e may be formedfrom the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 toprovide the midsole 220 e with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowingthe projection plate 300 e and the particulate matter 350 residing inthe cavity 240 a to provide cushioning to the bottom surface of the footduring gradient loading of the sole structure 200 e as the midsole 220 etranslates towards the inner surface 214 e of the outsole 210 e.

Referring to FIG. 21, a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 ofFIG. 19 shows the particulate matter 350 residing within the cavity 240e between the midsole 220 e and the outsole 210 e. The example showsprojection plate 300 e partially extending into the cavity 240 e fromthe inner surface 214 e of the outsole 210 e and the apertures 2000-2006extending through the surfaces of the projection plate 300 e that exposethe inner surface 214 e. The particulate matter 350 may partially orentirely fill the volume of the cavity 240 e between the bottom surface222 d and the inner surface 214 e or the projection plate 300 e. Thedistance the projection plate 300 e extends away from the inner surface214 e corresponds to a height of the interior walls of the projectionplate 300 e that define the depth of the apertures 2000-2006.Accordingly, particulate matter 350 residing below the depth one of theapertures 2000-2006 is restricted from migrating to an adjoiningaperture. However, particulate matter 350 that resides above the depthof the apertures 2000-2006 is permitted to migrate between adjoiningapertures if un-occupied space exists within the cavity 240 e. In someconfigurations, the midsole 220 e, or a portion thereof, may be removedto provide direct contact between the insole 228 supporting the bottomsurface of the foot and the particulate matter 350 residing in thecavity 240 e. In these configurations, the insole 228 may correspond toa flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350 residing inthe cavity 240 e to conform to the bottom surface of the foot duringgradient loading of the sole structure 200 e.

Referring to FIGS. 22-24, in some implementations, an article offootwear 10 f includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 f attachedto the upper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure andfunction of the components associated with the article of footwear 10with respect to the article of footwear 10 f, like reference numeralsare used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like componentswhile like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used toidentify those components that have been modified. The sole structure200 f may include the outsole 210 f and the midsole 220 f arranged inthe layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 f therebetween. Theoutsole 210 f includes an interior surface 214 f disposed on an oppositeside of the outsole 210 f than the ground-engaging surface 212. Themidsole 220 f includes a bottom surface 222 f disposed on an oppositeside of the midsole 220 f than the footbed 224. The bottom surface 222 fopposes the inner surface 214 f to define the cavity 240 f therebetween.The sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 f and the innersurface 214 f to define a depth of the cavity 240 f.

In some implementations, projections 300 f extend into the cavity 240 fto provide cushioning for the foot as well as to support and limitmovement of a tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350residing in the cavity 240 a during use of the footwear 10 f. Theprojections 300 f may be formed from the one or more polymer foammaterials that form the projections 300 of FIGS. 1-3 to provideresilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuateground-reaction forces. FIG. 23 provides an exploded view of the articleof footwear 10 f showing the projections 300 f extending in a directionfrom the inner surface 214 f of the outsole 210 f toward the bottomsurface 222 f of the midsole 220 f. In this implementation, the tuftedcasing 400 containing particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) isdisposed on the projections 300 f that extend from the inner surface 214f of the outsole 210 f. The tufted casing 400 may be sized and shaped tosubstantially conform to the outline of the midsole 220 f and theoutsole 210 f. In some examples, the projections 300 f are arranged inrepeating rows and each projection 300 f is equally spaced apart fromadjacent projections 300 f. In other examples, the projections 300 f arearranged in alternating, repeating rows. The midsole 220 f may be formedfrom the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 toprovide the midsole 220 f with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowingthe particulate matter 350 received within the tufted casing 400 andresiding in the cavity 240 f to interact with the profile of the bottomsurface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 f.

The tufted casing 400 may be formed from a flexible material. In oneconfiguration, the tufted casing 400 is formed from a mesh material.Additionally or alternatively, the tufted casing 400 may be formed froma nylon material. Thus, the tufted casing 400 may be formed from theflexible material, the mesh material, and/or the nylon material.Optionally, the tufted casing 400 may be formed from any suitablematerial that allows the received particulate matter 350 to conform tothe sole structure 200 f, such as surface profiles of the inner andbottom surfaces 214 f, 222 f, respectively, as well as the contour ofthe sidewall 230. In some configurations, the midsole 220 f, or aportion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between thebottom surface of the foot and tufted casing 400 containing theparticulate matter 350.

A first end 402 of the tufted casing 400 resides proximate to the heelportion 16 and a second end 404 of the tufted casing 400 residesproximate to the forefoot portion 12 when the casing 400 is received bythe cavity 240 f on the projections 300 f The tufted casing 400 may beformed by tufting, joining, or fastening portions of material togetherto define tufted regions or pockets 440 each filled with a correspondingquantity of particulate matter 350. The pockets 440 may extend along thelength of the casing 400 between the first end 402 and the second end404 as well as between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20,respectively, of the sole structure 200 f In some examples, each pocket440 includes approximately the same quantity of particulate matter 350,while in other examples, at least one of the pockets 440 includes adifferent quantity of particulate matter 350. For instance, it may bedesirable to include a greater quantity of particulate matter 350 withinpockets 440 located proximate to the heel portion 16 to increase thelevel of soft-type cushioning at the heel area of the foot. The pockets440 may restrict the corresponding quantities of particulate matter 350from migrating to adjoining pockets. However, some movement ofparticulate matter 350 may be permitted within the corresponding pockets440 to provide fluid cushioning during gradient loading of the solestructure 200 f. In other words, the pockets 440 are effective toprevent the loss of cushioning in areas of the sole structure 200 fcaused by particulate matter 350 migration during repeated compressionsof the sole structure 200 f but may permit movement of the particulatematter 350 within each pocket 440.

Referring to FIG. 24, a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 ofFIG. 22 shows the tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350received within the cavity 240 f and on the projections 300 f extendingfrom the inner surface 214 f FIG. 24 shoes the projections 300 fsupporting the tufted casing 400 and the projections 300 f being spacedfrom the midsole 220 f when the sole structure 200 f is not under anapplied load (i.e., the sole structure 200 f is at rest). Compressingthe sole structure 200 f, however, may cause the bottom surface 222 f ofthe midsole 220 f, in cooperation with the tufted casing 400 containingparticulate matter 350, to translate toward the outsole 210 f and intocontact with one or more of the projections 300 f Here, the projections300 f may compress while contacting the bottom surface 222 f as theparticulate matter 350 located within the pockets 440 of the tuftedcasing 400 compresses during gradient loading of the sole structure 200f As discussed above, compressibility by the particulate matter 350 mayprovide a soft-type cushioning while compressibility by the projections300 f may provide a responsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, theprojections 300 f and the particulate matter 350 residing within thetufted casing 400 may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to thearticle of footwear 10 f that changes as the applied load changes (i.e.,the greater the load, the more the projections 300 f are compressed and,thus, the more responsive the footwear 10 f performs). In someconfigurations, the midsole 220 f, or a portion thereof, may be removedto provide closer contact between the bottom surface of the foot and theparticulate matter 350 disposed within the pockets 440 of the tuftedcasing 400 and residing in the cavity 240 f In these configurations, asurface of the casing 400 opposing the bottom surface of the foot maycorrespond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350residing in the pockets 440 to conform to the bottom surface of the footduring gradient loading of the sole structure 200 f.

Referring to FIGS. 25-27, an article of footwear 10 g is provided andincludes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 g attached to the upper100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function ofthe components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respectto the article of footwear 10 g, like reference numerals are usedhereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while likereference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identifythose components that have been modified. The sole structure 200 g mayinclude the outsole 210 g and the midsole 220 g arranged in the layeredconfiguration and defining a cavity 240 g therebetween. The outsole 210g includes an interior surface 214 g disposed on an opposite side of theoutsole 210 g than the ground-engaging surface 212. The midsole 220 gincludes a bottom surface 222 g disposed on an opposite side of themidsole 220 g than the footbed 224. The bottom surface 222 g opposes theinner surface 214 g to define the cavity 240 g therebetween. Thesidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 g and the inner surface214 g to define a depth of the cavity 240 g.

Projections 300 g extend into the cavity 240 g to provide cushioning forthe foot as well as to support a cushioning layer 500 and the tuftedcasing 400 containing particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240g during use of the footwear 10 f. The projections 300 g may be formedfrom the one or more polymer foam materials that form the projections300 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide resilient compressibility under an appliedload to attenuate ground-reaction forces. FIG. 26 provides an explodedview of the article of footwear 10 g showing the tufted casing 400, thecushioning layer 500, and the projections 300 g extending in a directionfrom the inner surface 214 g of the outsole 210 g toward the bottomsurface 222 g of the midsole 220 g. The tufted casing 400 and thecushioning layer 500 may each have a length extending through theforefoot, mid-foot, and heel portions 12, 14, 16, respectively, and awidth between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20, respectively. Thetufted casing 400 and the cushioning layer 500 may be sized and shapedto substantially conform to the outline of the midsole 220 g and theoutsole 210 g. The cushioning layer 500 may rest between, and may be incontact with, the distal ends of the projections 300 g and the tuftedcasing 400 when the sole structure 200 g is assembled. The cushioninglayer 500 may include a contouring structure that forms a plurality ofridges 510 located along surfaces of the cushioning layer 500 to definea so-called egg-crate shape. The cushioning layer 500 may be formed fromone or more polymer foam materials, such as ethyl-vinyl-acetate orpolyurethane. Each projection 300 g may be aligned with a correspondingridge 510 of the cushioning layer 500 that opposes the outsole 210 g.The midsole 220 g may be formed from the flexible material forming themidsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 g with sufficientflexibility, thereby allowing the particulate matter 350 received withinthe tufted casing 400 and residing in the cavity 240 g to interact withthe profile of the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading ofthe sole structure 200 g.

Referring to FIG. 27, a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 ofFIG. 25 shows the tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350and the cushioning layer 500 received within the cavity 240 g on theprojections 300 g extending from the inner surface 214 g of the outsole210 g. FIG. 27 shows each ridge 510 of the cushioning layer 500 opposingthe outsole 210 g and being supported by a corresponding one of theprojections 300 g extending into the cavity 240 g from the inner surface214 g. The pairs of ridges 510 and projections 300 g located within thecavity 240 g may cooperate to provide resilient compressibility under anapplied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. For example, the pairsof ridges 510 and projections 300 g may compress against each otherunder load to provide a spring-effect that dampens the magnitude of theimpact on the foot. In some examples, voids between pairs of ridges 510and projections 300 g may be filled with particulate matter 350. Inaddition to the resilient compressibility provided by the pairs ofridges 510 and projections 300 g, the particulate matter 350 disposedwithin the pockets 440 of the tufted casing 400 compresses duringgradient loading of the sole structure 200 g. As discussed above,compressibility by the particulate matter 350 may provide a soft-typecushioning while compressibility by the projections 300 g may provide aresponsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, the projections 300 g, thecushioning layer 500, and the particulate matter 350 residing within thetufted casing 400 may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to thearticle of footwear 10 g that changes as the applied load changes (i.e.,the greater the load, the more the projections 300 g are compressed and,thus, the more responsive the footwear 10 g performs). In someconfigurations, the midsole 220 g, or a portion thereof, may be removedto provide direct contact between the bottom surface of the foot and thetufted casing 400 containing the particulate matter 350.

Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, in some implementations, an article offootwear 10 h includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 h attachedto the upper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure andfunction of the components associated with the article of footwear 10with respect to the article of footwear 10 h, like reference numeralsare used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like componentswhile like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used toidentify those components that have been modified. The sole structure200 h may include the outsole 210 h and the midsole 220 h arranged inthe layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 h therebetween. Theoutsole 210 h includes an interior surface 214 h disposed on an oppositeside of the outsole 210 h than the ground-engaging surface 212. Themidsole 220 h includes a bottom surface 222 h disposed on an oppositeside of the midsole 220 h than the footbed 224. The bottom surface 222 hopposes the inner surface 214 h to define the cavity 240 h therebetween.The sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 h and the innersurface 214 h to define a depth of the cavity 240 h.

In some implementations, the sole structure 200 h includes a cushioninglayer 500 h and particulate matter 350 disposed within the cavity 240 h.Referring to FIG. 29, a cross-sectional view taken along line 29-29 ofFIG. 28 shows the cushioning layer 500 h disposed on the inner surface214 h of the outsole 210 h and the quantity of particulate matter 350disposed between the cushioning layer 500 h and the bottom surface 222 hof the midsole 220 h when the sole structure 200 h is not under anapplied load (i.e., when the sole structure 200 h is at rest). In someexamples, the cushioning layer 500 h includes a slab of polymer foamsized and shaped to occupy a portion of empty space within the cavity240 h. Here, a gap between the cushioning layer 500 h and the bottomsurface 222 h defines a remaining portion of empty space within thecavity 240 h that receives the particulate matter 350. In some examples,the particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) slightly over fills (e.g.,stuffs) the remaining portion of empty space within the cavity 240 h topermit the particulate matter 350 to substantially occupy the areaenclosed between the sidewall 230, the bottom surface 222 h of themidsole 220 h, and the cushioning layer 500 h (other than voids betweenindividual beads of particulate matter 350). The midsole 220 h may beformed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3to provide the midsole 220 h with sufficient flexibility, therebyallowing the particulate matter 350 received within the cavity 240 h tointeract with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot duringgradient loading of the sole structure 200 h.

During gradient loading of the sole structure 200 h, the midsole 220 hmay translate toward the outsole 210 h as the particulate matter 350compresses between the midsole 220 h and the cushioning layer 500 h.Here, the cushioning layer 500 h compresses resiliently between theoutsole 210 h and the midsole 220 h. The cushioning layer 500 h,together with the quantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads)residing on the cushioning layer 500 h, may cooperate to enhancefunctionality and enhance cushioning characteristics that a conventionalmidsole provides. For example, when the sole structure 200 h is underload, the particulate matter 350 compressing may provide a level ofsoft-type cushioning during an initial impact of a ground-reaction forcewhile compressibility of the cushioning layer 500 h may occur after theinitial impact to provide responsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, theparticulate matter 350 and the cushioning layer 500 h residing in thecavity 240 h may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the articleof footwear 10 h that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., thegreater the load, the more the cushioning layer 500 h compresses, thus,the more responsive the footwear 10 h performs).

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, in some implementations, an article offootwear 10 i includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 i attachedto the upper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure andfunction of the components associated with the article of footwear 10with respect to the article of footwear 10 i, like reference numeralsare used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like componentswhile like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used toidentify those components that have been modified. The sole structure200 i may include the outsole 210 i and the midsole 220 i arranged inthe layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 i therebetween. Theoutsole 210 i includes an interior surface 214 i disposed on an oppositeside of the outsole 210 i than the ground-engaging surface 212. Themidsole 220 i includes a bottom surface 222 i disposed on an oppositeside of the midsole 220 i than the footbed 224. The bottom surface 222 iopposes the inner surface 214 i to define the cavity 240 i therebetween.The sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 i and the innersurface 214 i to define a depth of the cavity 240 i.

In some implementations, the sole structure 200 i includes afluid-filled chamber 600 and particulate matter 350 disposed within thecavity 240 i. In some examples, the fluid-filled chamber 600 defines aninterior void that receives a pressurized fluid and provides a durablesealed barrier for retaining the pressurized fluid therein. Thepressurized fluid may be air. A wide range of polymer materials may beutilized to form the fluid-filled chamber 600. In selecting the polymermaterials, engineering properties, such as tensile strength, stretchproperties, fatigue characteristics, and dynamic modulus, as well as theability of the materials to prevent the diffusion of the fluid containedby the chamber 600 may be considered. Exemplary materials used to formthe fluid-filled chamber 600 may include one or more of thermoplasticurethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyester polyurethane, and polyetherpolyurethane.

Referring to FIG. 31, a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 ofFIG. 30 shows the fluid-filled chamber 600 disposed on the inner surface214 i of the outsole 210 i and the quantity of particulate matter 350disposed between the fluid-filled chamber 600 and the bottom surface 222i of the midsole 220 i when the sole structure 200 i is not under anapplied load (i.e., when the sole structure 200 i is at rest). In someexamples, the fluid-filled chamber 600 is sized and shaped to occupy aportion of the empty space within the cavity 240 i. Here, a gap betweenthe fluid-filled chamber 600 and the bottom surface 222 i defines aremaining portion of empty space within the cavity 240 i that receivesthe particulate matter 350. In some examples, the particulate matter 350(e.g., foam beads) slightly over fills (e.g., stuffs) the remainingportion of empty space within the cavity 240 i to permit the particulatematter 350 to substantially occupy the area enclosed between thesidewall 230, the bottom surface 222 i of the midsole 220 i, and thefluid-filled chamber 600 (other than voids between individual beads ofparticulate matter 350). The midsole 220 i may be formed from theflexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide themidsole 220 i with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowing theparticulate matter 350 received within the cavity 240 i to interact withthe profile of the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading ofthe sole structure 200 i.

During gradient loading of the sole structure 200 i, the midsole 220 imay translate toward the outsole 210 i as the particulate matter 350compresses between the midsole 220 i and the fluid-filled chamber 600.Here, the fluid within the fluid-filled chamber 600 compresses betweenthe outsole 210 h and the midsole 220 h. The fluid-filled chamber 600,together with the quantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads)residing on the fluid-filled chamber 600, may cooperate to enhancefunctionality and cushioning characteristics that a conventional midsoleprovides. For example, when the sole structure 200 i is under load, theparticulate matter 350 compressing may provide a level of soft-typecushioning during an initial impact of a ground-reaction force whilecompressibility of the fluid contained by the fluid-filled chamber 600may occur after the initial impact to provide responsive-typecushioning. Accordingly, the particulate matter 350 and the fluid-filledchamber 600 residing in the cavity 240 i may cooperate to providegradient cushioning to the article of footwear 10 i that changes as theapplied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the fluidcontained by the fluid-filled chamber 600 compresses, thus, the moreresponsive the footwear 10 i performs).

Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, an article of footwear 10 j is providedand includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 j attached to theupper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure andfunction of the components associated with the article of footwear 10with respect to the article of footwear 10 j, like reference numeralsare used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like componentswhile like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used toidentify those components that have been modified.

The sole structure 200 j may include an outsole 210 j and the midsole220 i of FIGS. 30 and 31 arranged in the layered configuration anddefining the cavity 240 i therebetween. The sole structure 200 j alsoincludes the fluid-filled chamber 600 and the particulate matter 350disposed within the cavity 240 i. In other implementations, the bottomcushioning member 500 h of FIGS. 28 and 29 may be disposed on the innersurface 214 i in place of the fluid-filled chamber 600.

Referring to FIG. 33, a cross-sectional view taken along line 33-33 ofFIG. 32 shows the fluid-filled chamber 600 disposed on the inner surface214 i of the outsole 210 j and the quantity of particulate matter 350disposed between the fluid-filled chamber 600 and the bottom surface 222i of the midsole 220 i when the sole structure 200 j is not under anapplied load (i.e., when the sole structure 200 j is at rest). Where theoutsole 210 i of FIGS. 30 and 31 includes the substantially flatground-engaging surface 212, FIG. 33 shows the outsole 210 j of thearticle of footwear 10 j including a ground-engaging surface 212 j thatdefines a series of bottom ridges or projections 213 j that extend awayfrom the cavity 240 i and into contact with the ground surface. Here,the ground-engaging surface 212 j may permit the outsole 210 j to bendand flex as the sole structure 200 j rolls for engagement with theground surface during use of the footwear 10 j.

The projections 213 j may act as so-called pistons during use of thearticle of footwear 10 j, as the projections 213 j may move toward themidsole 220 i under an applied load, thereby urging the particulatematter 350 toward the midsole 220 i. Because the midsole 220 i is formedfrom a flexible material, as described above with respect to the articleof footwear 10 i, such upward movement of the projections 213 j andparticulate matter 350 may be felt at the bottom surface of the user'sfoot to provide the user with noticeable and responsive cushioningduring use. Such cushioning may be tailored by positioning theprojections 213 j at predetermined locations along the outsole 210 jand/or by adjusting the relative size of the projections 213 j. Forexample, the heel portion 16 may include larger projections 213 j and/ora greater density of projections 213 j than the forefoot portion 12 toprovide increased upward movement of the particulate matter 350 during aheel-strike event.

Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, an article of footwear 10 k is providedand includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 k attached to theupper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure andfunction of the components associated with the article of footwear 10with respect to the article of footwear 10 k, like reference numeralsare used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like componentswhile like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used toidentify those components that have been modified.

The sole structure 200 k may include an outsole 210 k and the midsole220 f of FIGS. 22-24 arranged in the layered configuration and defininga cavity 240 k therebetween. Referring to FIG. 35, a partialcross-sectional view taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 34 shows the outsole210 k as including a ground-engaging surface 212 k defining a series ofbottom ridges or projections 213 k extending away from the cavity 240 kand an inner surface 214 k disposed on an opposite side of the outsole210 k than the ground-engaging surface 212 k and defining a series oftop ridges or projections 215 k that extend into the cavity 240 k.

The bottom ridges 213 k are substantially identical to the bottom ridges213 j of FIGS. 32-33 and, thus, extend into contact with the groundsurface to permit the outsole 210 k to bend and flex as the solestructure 200 k rolls for engagement with the ground surface during useof the footwear 10 k. The top ridges 215 k extend into the cavity 240 kto provide cushioning for the foot as well as to support and limitmovement of the tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350residing in the cavity 240 k during use of the footwear 10 k. Inaddition, the top ridges 215 k may be aligned with respective ones ofthe bottom ridges 213 k such that a load applied at the bottom ridges213 k is directly transmitted to a corresponding top ridge 215 k,thereby providing a load path between the outsole 210 k and the tuftedcasing 400.

The tufted casing 400 is described above with reference to FIGS. 22-24,and includes the first end 402 residing proximate to the heel portion 16and the second end 404 residing proximate to the forefoot portion 12when the casing 400 is received by the cavity 240 k on the top ridges215 k defined by the inner surface 214 k of the outsole 210 k. Thecasing 400 may include the pockets 440 containing equal or differentquantities of the particulate matter 350. Where the outsole 210 f ofFIGS. 22-24 includes the projections 300 f extending into the cavity 240f from the inner surface 214 f, FIG. 35 shows the top ridges 215 k ofthe inner surface 214 k extending into the cavity 240 k in place of theprojections 300 f to support the casing 400 containing particulatematter 350 in an effort to provide response-type cushioning for the footduring use of the footwear 10 k. The responsive-type cushioning isfurther enhanced by providing a direct load path from the top ridges 215k to the respective bottom ridges 213 k when the midsole 220 f andtufted casing 400 cooperate to apply a load on outsole 210 k at the topridges 215 k during use.

FIG. 35 shows the top ridges 215 k supporting the tufted casing 400 andbeing spaced from the midsole 220 f when the sole structure 200 k is notunder an applied load (i.e., the sole structure 200 k is at rest).Compressing the sole structure 200 k, however, may cause the bottomsurface 222 f of the midsole 220 f, in cooperation with the tuftedcasing 400 containing particulate matter 350, to translate toward theoutsole 210 k and into contact with one or more of the top ridges 215 kdefined by the inner surface 214 k. Here, the top ridges 215 k maycompress while contacting the bottom surface 222 f as the particulatematter 350 located within the pockets 440 of the tufted casing 400compresses and moves during gradient loading of the sole structure 200k.

The outsole 210 k may be formed form a resilient-type material toprovide response-type cushioning when the top ridges 215 k compress inthe same manner as the projections 300 f of FIGS. 22-24. As discussedabove, compressibility by the particulate matter 350 may provide asoft-type cushioning. Accordingly, the top ridges 215 k and theparticulate matter 350 residing within the tufted casing 400 maycooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear 10 kthat changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load,the more the top ridges 215 k are compressed and, thus, the moreresponsive the footwear 10 k performs). As described above, the midsole220 f may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 f with sufficient flexibility,thereby allowing the particulate matter 350 received within the tuftedcasing 400 and residing in the cavity 240 k to interact with the profileof the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the solestructure 200 k. In some configurations, the midsole 220 f, or a portionthereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the bottomsurface of the foot and the tufted casing 400 containing the particulatematter 350.

Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, an article of footwear 10 l is providedand includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 l attached to theupper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure andfunction of the components associated with the article of footwear 10with respect to the article of footwear 10 l, like reference numeralsare used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like componentswhile like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used toidentify those components that have been modified. The sole structure200 l may include an outsole 210 l and the midsole 220 g of FIGS. 25-27arranged in the layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 ltherebetween.

Referring to FIG. 37, a partial cross-sectional view taken along line37-37 of FIG. 36 shows the outsole 210 l as including a ground-engagingsurface 212 l defining a series of bottom ridges 213 l extending awayfrom the cavity 240 l and an inner surface 214 l disposed on an oppositeside of the outsole 210 l than the ground-engaging surface 212 l anddefining a series of top ridges 215 l that extend into the cavity 240 l.The bottom ridges 213 l are substantially identical to the bottom ridges213 j of FIGS. 32-33 and, thus, extend into contact with the groundsurface to permit the outsole 210 l to bend and flex as the solestructure 200 l rolls for engagement with the ground surface during useof the footwear 10 l.

The top ridges 215 l extend into the cavity 240 l to provide cushioningfor the foot as well as to support a cushioning layer 500 l and thetufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350 residing in thecavity 240 l during use of the footwear 10 l. The tufted casing 400 andthe cushioning layer 500 l may be sized and shaped to substantiallyconform to a perimeter of the midsole 220 g and the outsole 210 l. Thecushioning layer 500 l may rest between, and may be in contact with, thedistal ends of the top ridges 5151 of the inner surface 214 l of theoutsole 210 l and the tufted casing 400 when the sole structure 200 l isassembled.

The cushioning layer 500 l may include a contouring structure that formsa plurality of bottom ridges 5101 and top ridges 5151 located alongsurfaces of the cushioning layer 500 l to define a so-called egg-crateshape. In one configuration, the bottom ridges 5101 and top ridges 5151are aligned with respective ones of the bottom ridges 213 l and topridges 215 l of the outsole 210 l to provide a direct load path from thetufted casing 400 to the ground during use. The cushioning layer 500 lmay be formed from one or more polymer foam materials, such asethyl-vinyl-acetate or polyurethane. Each top ridge 215 l of the outsole210 l may be aligned with a corresponding bottom ridge 5101 of thecushioning layer 500 that opposes the outsole 210 l. Each top ridge 5151of the cushioning layer 500 l may oppose and contact a correspondingpocket 440 of the tufted casing 400. As described above, the midsole 220g may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 ofFIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 g with sufficient flexibility,thereby allowing the particulate matter 350 received within the tuftedcasing 400 and residing in the cavity 240 l to interact with the profileof the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the solestructure 200 l.

FIG. 37 shows each bottom ridge 5101 of the cushioning layer 500 lopposing the outsole 210 l and being supported by a corresponding one ofthe top ridges 215 l of the inner surface 214 l extending into thecavity 240 l. The corresponding pairs of bottom ridges 5101 and topridges 215 l located within the cavity 240 l may cooperate to provideresilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuateground-reaction forces. For example, the pairs of bottom ridges 5101 andtop ridges 215 l may compress against each other under load to provide aspring-effect that dampens the magnitude of the impact on the foot. Insome examples, voids between pairs of bottom ridges 5101 and top ridges215 l may be filled with particulate matter 350. In addition to theresilient compressibility provided by the pairs of bottom ridges 5101and top ridges 215 l, the particulate matter 350 disposed within thepockets 440 of the tufted casing 400 compresses and moves duringgradient loading of the sole structure 200 l. As discussed above,compressibility by the particulate matter 350 may provide a soft-typecushioning while compressibility by the bottom ridges 5101 and topridges 215 l may provide a responsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, theoutsole 210 l, the cushioning layer 500 l, and the particulate matter350 residing within the tufted casing 400 may cooperate to providegradient cushioning to the article of footwear 10 l that changes as theapplied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the ridges3101, 3151, 5101, 5151 are compressed and, thus, the more responsive thefootwear 10 l performs). In some configurations, the midsole 220 g, or aportion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between thebottom surface of the foot and the tufted casing 400 containing theparticulate matter 350.

The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for the solestructure for an article of footwear described above.

Clause 1: An article of footwear comprising an upper and an outsoleattached to the upper and including a ground-engaging surface and aninner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than theground-engaging surface. The midsole having a footbed and a bottomsurface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed andopposing the inner surface of the outsole to define a cavitytherebetween and a first series of projections extending into the cavityfrom one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a firstdirection toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface.The first series of projections being spaced apart from the other of theinner surface and the bottom surface. The second series of projectionsextend into the cavity from the one of the inner surface and the bottomsurface in the first direction toward the other of the inner surface andthe bottom surface, the second series of projections having a differentheight than the first series of projections and being spaced apart fromthe other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The quantity ofparticulate matter is disposed within the cavity.

Clause 2: The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the one of theinner surface and the bottom surface is the inner surface, the quantityof particulate matter being disposed around a base of the first seriesof projections and around a base of the second series of projections.

Clause 3: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the first series of projections include a cross-sectional areathat decreases in the first direction.

Clause 4: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the second series of projections include a cross-sectional areathat decreases in the first direction.

Clause 5: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the first series of projections and the second series ofprojections include a constantly tapered outer surface.

Clause 6: The article of footwear of Clause 5, wherein the tapered,outer surface terminates at a rounded, distal end of each projectionthat opposes the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface.

Clause 7: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the first series of projections are disposed proximate to a heelportion of the outsole and the second series of projections are disposedproximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole.

Clause 8: The article of footwear of Clause 6, wherein the first seriesof projections extend farther from the one of the inner surface and thebottom surface than the second series of projections.

Clause 9: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clause,wherein the particulate matter includes foam beads.

Clause 10: The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the foam beadsinclude a substantially spherical shape.

Clause 11: The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the foam beadsinclude approximately the same size and shape.

Clause 12: The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the foam beadsinclude at least one of a different size and shape.

Clause 13: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the first series of projections and the second series ofprojections are spaced apart from one another by a void disposedproximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.

Clause 14: An article of footwear comprising an upper and an outsoleattached to the upper and including a ground-engaging surface and aninner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than theground-engaging surface. The inner surface including a first series ofprojections extending in a direction toward the upper and a secondseries of projections extending toward the upper and having a differentheight than the first series of projections. The midsole having afootbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsolethan the footbed and opposing the inner surface of the outsole to definea cavity therebetween, the bottom surface spaced apart from the firstseries of projections and the second series of projections. The quantityof particulate matter is disposed within the cavity.

Clause 15: The article of footwear of Clause 14, wherein the firstseries of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in adirection extending from the outsole toward the midsole.

Clause 16: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the second series of projections include a cross-sectional areathat decreases in a direction extending from the outsole toward themidsole.

Clause 17: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the first series of projections and the second series ofprojections include a constantly tapered outer surface.

Clause 18: The article of footwear of Clause 17, wherein the tapered,outer surface terminates at a rounded, distal end of each projectionthat opposes the bottom surface of the midsole.

Clause 19: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the first series of projections are disposed proximate to a heelportion of the outsole and the second series of projections are disposedproximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole.

Clause 20: The article of footwear of Clause 19, wherein the firstseries of projections extend farther from the inner surface of theoutsole than the second series of projections.

Clause 21: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the particulate matter includes foam beads.

Clause 22: The article of footwear of Clause 21, wherein the foam beadsinclude a substantially spherical shape.

Clause 23: The article of footwear of Clause 21, wherein the foam beadsinclude approximately the same size and shape.

Clause 24: The article of footwear of Clause 21, wherein the foam beadsinclude at least one of a different size and shape.

Clause 25: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the first series of projections and the second series ofprojections are spaced apart from one another by a void disposedproximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.

Clause 26: An article of footwear comprising an upper and a midsolehaving a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side ofthe midsole than the footbed. The bottom surface including a firstseries of projections extending in a direction away from the upper and asecond series of projections extending away from the upper and having adifferent height than the first series of projections. The outsoleattached to the upper and including a ground-engaging surface and aninner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than theground-engaging surface. The inner surface opposing the bottom surfaceof the midsole, cooperating with the bottom surface to define a cavitytherebetween, and spaced apart from the first series of projections andthe second series of projections. The quantity of particulate matter isdisposed within the cavity.

Clause 27: The article of footwear of Clause 26, wherein the firstseries of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in adirection extending from the midsole toward the outsole.

Clause 28: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the second series of projections include a cross-sectional areathat decreases in a direction extending from the midsole toward theoutsole.

Clause 29: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the first series of projections and the second series ofprojections include a constantly tapered outer surface.

Clause 30: The article of footwear of Clause 29, wherein the tapered,outer surface terminates at a rounded, distal end of each projectionthat opposes the inner surface of the outsole.

Clause 31: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the first series of projections oppose a heel portion of theoutsole and the second series of projections oppose a forefoot portionof the outsole.

Clause 32: The article of footwear of Clause 31, wherein the firstseries of projections extend farther from the bottom surface of themidsole than the second series of projections.

Clause 33: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the particulate matter includes foam beads.

Clause 34: The article of footwear of Clause 33, wherein the foam beadsinclude a substantially spherical shape.

Clause 35: The article of footwear of Clause 33, wherein the foam beadsinclude approximately the same size and shape.

Clause 36: The article of footwear of Clause 33, wherein the foam beadsinclude at least one of a different size and shape.

Clause 37: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses,wherein the first series of projections and the second series ofprojections are spaced apart from one another by a void that opposes amid-foot portion of the outsole.

Clause 38: A method of making an article of footwear, the methodcomprising providing a cavity between a footbed and an outsole andproviding one of the footbed and the outsole with a first series ofprojections that extend into the cavity in a first direction toward theother of the footbed and the outsole, the first series of projectionsbeing spaced apart from the other of the footbed and the outsole andproviding the one of the footbed and the outsole with a second series ofprojections that extend into the cavity in the first direction towardthe other of the footbed and the outsole, the second series ofprojections being spaced apart from the other of the footbed and theoutsole and having a different height than the first series ofprojections and providing the cavity with a quantity of particulatematter.

Clause 39: The method of Clause 38, wherein providing the one of thefootbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and thesecond series of projections includes providing the outsole with thefirst series of projections and the second series of projections.

Clause 40: The method of Clause 39, wherein providing the cavity withthe quantity of particulate matter includes providing the quantity ofparticulate matter around a base of the first series of projections andaround a base of the second series of projections.

Clause 41: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providingthe one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series ofprojections includes providing the first series of projections with across-sectional area that decreases in a direction toward the other ofthe footbed and the outsole.

Clause 42: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providingthe one of the footbed and the outsole with the second series ofprojections includes providing the second series of projections with across-sectional area that decreases in a direction toward the other ofthe footbed and the outsole.

Clause 43: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providingthe one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series ofprojections and the second series of projections includes providing thefirst series of projections and the second series of projections with aconstantly tapered outer surface.

Clause 44: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providingthe one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series ofprojections and the second series of projections includes providing thefirst series of projections proximate to a heel portion of the outsoleand the second series of projections proximate to a forefoot portion ofthe outsole.

Clause 45: The method of Clause 44, wherein providing the first seriesof projections proximate to a heel portion of the outsole and the secondseries of projections proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsoleincludes extending the first series of projections farther from the oneof the footbed and the outsole than the second series of projections.

Clause 46: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providingthe cavity with the quantity of particulate matter includes providingthe cavity with a quantity of foam beads.

Clause 47: The method of Clause 46, wherein providing the cavity withthe quantity of foam beads includes providing the cavity with a quantityof foam beads having a substantially spherical shape.

Clause 48: The method of Clause 46, wherein providing the cavity withthe quantity of foam beads includes providing the cavity with a quantityof foam beads that include approximately the same size and shape.

Clause 49: The method of Clause 46, wherein providing the cavity withthe quantity of foam beads includes providing the cavity with a quantityof foam beads that include at least one of a different size and shape.

Clause 50: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providingthe one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series ofprojections and the second series of projections includes providing avoid between the first series of projections and the second series ofprojections proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.

The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustrationand description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure. Individual elements or features of a particularconfiguration are generally not limited to that particularconfiguration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can beused in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown ordescribed. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; anoutsole attached to the upper and including a ground-engaging surfaceand an inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole thanthe ground-engaging surface; a midsole having a footbed and a bottomsurface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed andopposing the inner surface of the outsole to define a cavitytherebetween; a first wall extending into the cavity from the innersurface of the outsole in a direction toward the bottom surface of themidsole and having a first longitudinal axis extending between a medialside of the outsole and a lateral side of the outsole, the first wallincluding a first distal end spaced apart from the bottom surface of themidsole to define a first gap between the first distal end and thebottom surface of the midsole; a second wall extending into the cavityfrom the inner surface of the outsole in a direction toward the bottomsurface of the midsole and having a second longitudinal axis extendingbetween the medial side of the outsole and the lateral side of theoutsole, the second wall being spaced apart from the first wall todefine a first aperture that exposes the inner surface of the outsolebetween the first wall and the second wall, the second wall including asecond distal end spaced apart from the bottom surface of the midsole todefine a second gap between the second distal end and the bottom surfaceof the midsole; and a quantity of particulate matter disposed within thecavity and in contact with the inner surface of the outsole within thefirst aperture, particulate matter of the quantity of particulate matterbeing smaller than the first gap and the second gap to allow theparticulate matter of the quantity of particulate matter to migrate intoand out of the first aperture via the first gap and the second gap. 2.The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one of thefirst wall and the second wall includes a substantially constantcross-section from the respective first distal end and second distal endto a junction of the at least one of the first wall and the second walland the inner surface of the outsole.
 3. The article of footwear ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one of the first wall and the second wallincludes two substantially parallel surfaces extending from the innersurface of the outsole and a top surface connecting and disposedsubstantially perpendicular to the two substantially parallel surfaces.4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein at least one of the firstwall and the second wall includes two substantially parallel surfacesextending from the inner surface of the outsole and a top surfaceconnecting and disposed substantially perpendicular to the twosubstantially parallel surfaces.
 5. The article of footwear of claim 1,wherein the first wall and the second wall extend in a direction towardthe bottom surface of the midsole to substantially the same extent. 6.The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first wall isdimensioned differently than the second wall.
 7. The article of footwearof claim 1, wherein the particulate matter includes foam beads.
 8. Thearticle of footwear of claim 7, wherein the foam beads include asubstantially spherical shape.
 9. The article of footwear of claim 8,wherein the foam beads include approximately the same size and shape orinclude at least one of a different size and shape.
 10. An article offootwear comprising: an upper; an outsole attached to the upper andincluding a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on anopposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface; a midsolehaving a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side ofthe midsole than the footbed and opposing the inner surface of theoutsole to define a cavity therebetween; a first wall extending into thecavity from the inner surface of the outsole in a direction toward thebottom surface of the midsole and having a first longitudinal axisextending between a medial side of the outsole and a lateral side of theoutsole, the first wall including a first distal end spaced apart fromthe bottom surface of the midsole to define a first gap between thefirst distal end and the bottom surface of the midsole; a second wallextending into the cavity from the inner surface of the outsole in adirection toward the bottom surface of the midsole and having a secondlongitudinal axis extending between the medial side of the outsole andthe lateral side of the outsole, the second wall being spaced apart fromthe first wall to define a first aperture between the first wall and thesecond wall, the second wall including a second distal end spaced apartfrom the bottom surface of the midsole to define a second gap betweenthe second distal end and the bottom surface of the midsole; a thirdwall extending into the cavity from the inner surface of the outsole ina direction toward the bottom surface of the midsole and having a thirdlongitudinal axis extending between the medial side of the outsole andthe lateral side of the outsole, the third wall being spaced apart fromthe second wall to define a second aperture between the second wall andthe third wall, the third wall including a third distal end spaced apartfrom the bottom surface of the midsole to define a third gap between thethird distal end and the bottom surface of the midsole; and a quantityof particulate matter disposed within the cavity within the firstaperture and the second aperture, particulate matter of the quantity ofparticulate matter being smaller than the first gap, the second gap, andthe third gap to allow the particulate matter of the quantity ofparticulate matter to migrate between the first aperture and the secondaperture.
 11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the at leastone of the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall includes asubstantially constant cross-section from the respective first distalend, second distal end, and third distal end to a junction of the atleast one of the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall and theinner surface of the outsole.
 12. The article of footwear of claim 10,wherein the at least one of the first wall, the second wall, and thethird wall includes two substantially parallel surfaces extending fromthe inner surface of the outsole and a top surface connecting anddisposed substantially perpendicular to the two substantially parallelsurfaces.
 13. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein at least oneof the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall includes twosubstantially parallel surfaces extending from the inner surface of theoutsole and a top surface connecting and disposed substantiallyperpendicular to the two substantially parallel surfaces.
 14. Thearticle of footwear of claim 10, wherein the first wall, the secondwall, and the third wall extend in a direction toward the bottom surfaceof the midsole to substantially the same extent.
 15. The article offootwear of claim 10, wherein the first wall is dimensioned differentlythan at least one of the second wall and the third wall.
 16. The articleof footwear of claim 10, wherein the particulate matter includes foambeads.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the foam beadsinclude a substantially spherical shape.
 18. The article of footwear ofclaim 17, wherein the foam beads include approximately the same size andshape or include at least one of a different size and shape.